IJC Movie Review – Easter edition.
The Greatest Story Ever Told. George Steven wrote and directed the most lavish biblical production since the 10 Commandments. Filmed in Ultea Panavision 70 in 1963, it took over 5 years to bring this to the screen.
Some random impressions upon review.
Herod, the Great, and the magi follow the star.
That voice. There he is, Charlton Heston is John the Baptist.
Judas, Andrew, Peter and John form a band with Jesus.
Peter is a whiner for sure.
They travel back and forth across the land making fishers of men.
Jesus climbs the mountain, and meets that old rapscallion hermit who attempts to tempt him.
They meet James and then Matthew.
A crippled man can walk.
Simon, Thaddeus and Thomas take up the cause.
Another James and Mary join at Capernaum.
Herod, the son, takes out John the Baptist for Sabine, his stepdaughter niece.
The sermon on the mount.
Peter recognizes the Messiah.
The visit to Nazareth proves disappointing and they leave for Jordan.
Resignedly, Jesus revisits Lazarus.
It’s a miracle!
Intermission.
Now recognized as the messiah, Jesus preps for his fate.
Judas has his doubt, yet the fickle masses rejoice.
The Den of Thieves. Jesus is pissed! “You have befouled these holy grounds.
“Pilate is perplexed, “He’s actually telling people to love their enemies.”
The Legion.
The turning of the cheek.
That old rapscallion hermit returns to sow more discontent.
Judas makes a grave moral decision.
That table scene is filmed like a beautiful painting.
Unleavened bread. “This is my body.”
Wine. “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine…”
Live one another even as I have loved you.
Now is the son of man purified.
Jesus in the garden.
Judas gold coins.
The hour has come. The rebuking begins.
“Why now do you come and take me like a thief in the night?”
“Do you know this man?”
“All I know is once I was blind, and now I see.”
That old rapscallion hermit returns to sow more discontent.
Peter responds.
“I am.”
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
Pontius perplexity reaches its peak.
The fox faces his rival.
That old rapscallion hermit returns to sow more discontent. Peter responds once.
The masses can release the prisoner of their choice. They choose Barrabas.
“We have no king but Caesar!”
The crucifixion begins. Golgotha.
“Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
“Truly, this man was the son of God.” Pilgrim.
“Hallelujah!”
The whole thing will be forgotten in a week.
“I am with you always.”
The ascension.
This production still holds up in practically every way. Beautiful cinematography. Excellent acting – Max Von Sydow is extraordinarily luminous. Jose Ferrer is an interesting villain. Steven’s script and direction is straightforward and includes some powerful imagery and scenes.
A truly wonderful holiday tradition.
Score of 5 / 5. Completely insane.
Definitely worth watching each Easter season.