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I would estimate that almost every filmmaker (and storyteller in general, really) at some point in their career has considered what “their” Jesus movie would be. Imagine – the chance to interpret, personalise and even change such a ubiquitous, universally recognised parable. Heck, if you’re so inclined, it’s even your chance to skewer it. It’s a dream come true for anyone who wants to spin a yarn or pass on a message – a chance to deliver your own version of a story many consider to be the most important story there is.
Why is it, then, that the only films related to the life of Christ we ever see discussed are the most mainstream ones? Everyone has heard of and has opinions on Ben-Hur, The Passion of The Christ and The Last Temptation of Christ, but for one of the most re-told stories on the planet, we hardly see any discussion of the more obscure takes. Instead of revisiting the familiar this Easter, consider watching one of the following seldom-mentioned interpretations of the life of Christ. The films on this list range from forgotten classics to truly bizarre interpretations – they may not all be gems, but man, are they all interesting.
The King of Kings (1927, USA)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgyM_HBJYG0]
This silent Cecil B DeMille classic, now a Criterion film, follows the last few weeks of Christ’s life before his crucifixion. It’s a long, early attempt at the tale on film, but it’s scope and vision is staggering. One of the final sequences in the film, focusing on Christ’s Resurrection, is shot in technicolour while the rest of the film is black and white. This was a reveal that the audience waited over two hours for – and beats the The Wizard of Oz at this transition by 12 years! You can watch it in full above.
Barrabas (1961, USA)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Yw2W4McJs]
Anthony Quinn stars as the titular Barrabas, the criminal whom Rome spared so that Jesus Christ could be executed. After he witnesses the crucifixion first hand, he is haunted by images of Christ, and eventually converts to Christianity himself as Rome burns around him. Featuring interesting imagery and a shockingly experimental soundtrack for the time, Barrabas explores the life of a man with the guilt of the world on his shoulders. The Robe (1953)is a similar film also worth checking out, which follows the Roman military tribune who commands the unit to execute Jesus.
Jesus, You Know (2003, Austria)
Original Title: Jesus, Du weiíŸt
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt4yRVJERgU]
Jesus, You Know is an Austrian documentary in which six Catholics share their varying opinions on the life of Christ, as well as his place in the Church. The camera silently observes them, surrounded by their faith in a number of beautiful Churches. An interesting slow burn which depicts how the same story can mean a number of different things to different people – even if they are all of the same faith.
Quarter to Two Before Jesus Christ (1982, France)
Original Title: Deux Heures Moins le quart Avant Jésus-Christ
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByfJJlqIIME]
Loved by French critics and hated by American, Quarter to Two Before Jesus Christ is often described as “the French Life of Brian”. Following a wide number of figures “around” Christ (but not really) in a wonderfully anachronistic way, we meet a mechanic Ben Hur, camp Julius Caeser and criminal Cleopatra claiming Hur to be her brother. Characters exchange fast, witty barbs in this ridiculous comedy.
Jesus Christ: Vampire Hunter (2001, USA)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRIypcaIX4]
Okay, okay, this one is stupid. A comedy action film (with musical numbers!) that essentially does what it says on the tin. Make no mistake: this film is total zero-budget garbage. It’s unfunny and ugly, but it could also be fascinating, in a weirdly masochistic sense. The film is notable for the fact that it came before the glut of anachronistic comedy action, beating Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by a long ways and even pre-dating Pride and Prejudice with Zombies, which many claim started the trend. So, you know, this trash wasn’t even relevant.
Life and Passion of The Christ (1903, France)
Original Title: La Vie et Passion du Christ
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5VPWPgkT8A]
Let’s finish on something with just a tad more clout, shall we? La Vie et Passion du Christ is the most straightforward presentation of the story on the list, however, you can forgive the film for this considering it’s one of the earliest feature-length narrative films in history. It’s interesting to watch La Vie et Passion du Christ with it’s target audience in mind; these were people who had never seen a film before – some never even considered the art form as existing before – they came to the film simply wanting a visual representation of a story they already knew. Therein lies the power of the Christ narrative, in terms of storytelling.
Finally, a non-film recommendation; Reza Aslan’s Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth presents a compelling and fascinating account on the figure, trying to discern the Biblical Jesus from the Historical Jesus. An intensely interesting and well presented page-turned. It also spawned this now infamous interview. You know, if you wanted something to cringe at.
Have you seen any of the above films? Do you know of other interesting takes on the Christ narrative, or films where the story feature Jesus Christ prominently? Share with us in the comments below!
