Jesus Christ...Movie Star?
Welcome to Jesus in Film, a website that explores the different portrayals of Jesus Christ in the movies. This website is an extension of a paper that I wrote while studying Theology at Trinity International University.
This website discusses four popular films that have contributed to the genre of the “Jesus film”. My intention is that visitors will hopefully gain a better understanding of how film has been used to artistically present some form of the life of Christ.
Often the best “religious” art is art that can serve as inspiration while simultaneously challenging and critiquing. In the case of these four films it would seem that they tend to border heavily on one side or the other. A Jesus film can hope to inspire the viewer, but many times in the process becomes formulaic and kitschy. On the other hand, a Jesus film can offer new and challenging ideas, but portray Jesus as something that the Christian can no longer relate to or recognize as worthy of worship or adoration.
But just because all of these films may not be both inspirational and challenging at the same time, does not automatically discount them as fine pieces of art. On the contrary, these films (and other Jesus films) deserve recognition as beautiful and often incredibly creative pieces of work. Of course, like other art they also deserve to be analyzed critically. The "Jesus Film" genre, like any other medium of art, should be constantly in a state of evolution and pressing the envelope in terms of creativity.
It will be very interesting to see how the Jesus film will evolve as the history of film progresses and the desire for good religious art continues. The Jesus film has potential as long as the Christian is willing to look, and filmmakers find interesting ways to retell the familiar story.
Click here for a more comprehensive list of Jesus Films.
Films
The Greatest Story Ever Told
1965 Directed by George Stevens
(Starring Max Von Sydow)
An epic retelling of the life of Christ. The all-star cast includes Charlton Heston as John the Baptist and John Wayne as The Centurion at The Crucifixion. Filmed in Death Valley and in Utah, Nevada and Arizona locations, this film garnered five Oscar nominations, including Best Special Effects and Best Score.
The Gospel According To Matthew
1964 Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini
(Starring Enrique Irazoqui)
Recounts the story of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospel of Matthew. Pasolini's matter-of-fact, neorealistic style and simplicity created controversy when the film was initially released.
Monty Python's Life of Brian
1979 Directed by Terry Jones
(Starring Graham Chapman)
Born on the original Christmas Day in the stable next door to Jesus, Brian grows up to join an anti-Roman separatist group. But as he tries to escape trouble with the law, he finds himself reluctantly thrust into the role of the Messiah. This classic religious satire pokes fun at fanaticism and hypocrisy.
The Last Temptation of Christ
1988 Directed by Martin Scorsese
(Starring Willem Dafoe)
Nikos Kazantzakis's landmark novel comes to life in this moving, spiritual and highly controversial film that experiments with the notion that Jesus was both God and man. The film portrays Jesus as more human than divine, susceptible to the desires, doubts and temptations that all men face.