The Matrix: An Allegorical Model of Jesus

The Matrix came out in 1999 with good reviews and blockbuster weekends. It is a science-fiction action film written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski. The film has become a revolutionary film in that many of the actions scenes and cinematography challenged the audience and gave the next generation of films a higher standard to live up too. The innovative use of ‘bullet time’ has become popular in many current films.

The film’s story line begins with Thomas Anderson a computer hacker by night and normal business man by day. During his escapades as a hacker he finds mention of something called The Matrix but he cannot find what it is. He is lured out by a strange message on his computer to learn about the Matrix. Anderson meets the infamous hacker named Morpheus who tells him he can learn the real truth of the Matrix or continue on in his normal life oblivious to its existence, living life as normal. But Morpheus warns that if he travels the road less traveled to truth he will not be able to go back. Anderson is to choose between the blue pill, life as before, or the red pill, knowledge of the truth. He chooses the red pill.

Because of Thomas Anderson’s choice he now seems to take on the name of Neo, his hacker name, in the now real world. Neo finds that the world he knew was not the real world but one created by computers after a type of domes day that one could relate to in the movie Terminator. Computers are in control, using people as a source power to keep them functioning. People are grown in fields by the machines and never know what physical life is but live life only in a created mental state/world called the Matrix. Yet, there are some that have escaped and are building a world of free humans again called Zion.

The ragtag group that Neo is now joined with includes Morpheous, Trinity, Cypher, Tank, Mouse, etc. They all travel underground on a hover ship called The Nebuchadnezzar. Neo goes through numerous physical and mental changes as he accepts his new world and is trained to understand The Matrix limits and non-limits. Neo learns that in the Matrix your only limitation is your faith or belief in oneself. If you think believe you can do amazing feats then you can. The Matrix is a simulated reality and the laws of physics do not have to apply.

Neo is also taught that the machines know of the groups of renegades outside of the Matrix and they try to eliminate these pesky humans. The machines goal is to finding Zion and destroying all of these rebellious humans. In the Matrix are programs made by the machines to help identify the outside humans that infiltrate the Matrix trying to free other humans. These programs agents are to destroy anyone that is not to be there. The head of these agents is one called Mr. Smith.

There are other ships sent from Zion to do the same thing as the Nebuchadnezzar. What Neo also finds out is in their goal of freeing other humans that are ready to know the true state of reality that there is also a prophesy. The prophesy tells that there is One that will come and free all those trapped in the Matrix, bringing about a new order. Morpheous believes that Neo is the “One.” As the movie progress, Neo does seem to have something special about him as he can do more superhuman acts in the Matrix than anyone before him.

Allegory of the Matrix

Neo has been referred to as metaphorical Jesus figure in this movie. There are numerous symbolic reference that can be associated with Christianity throughout the film. Some have even pointed out that Christianity is not the only religion that this movie could have symbolic references too. Some belief there is Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, and Gnosticism.

During our class discussion many found that they did not care for the film or did not see the same symbolic references to a Jesus figure. There is a lot of violence in the film, for many this did not follow the teachings of Jesus. Some of the scientific technologies used where questionable in class discussion. There where some that could see the relevance of using certain scenes in the film for evangelistic use or in some from of Christian context.

Personally this is one of my favorite films, not necessarily as a Jesus film but high on my list. It has many great allegorical moment in the film that I have used for discussion with youth and my own children. For me, every time I see the film there is something new. As in the Bible I find when I read passages and reread them again later I find something new.

In this short blog, I feel I cannot even give a partial rundown of all the symbolic Christian meanings throughout the movie. I will point out a few highlights:

The name Thomas Anderson give a rendition of a doubting Thomas, as one of the disciples of Christ, or even Christ question his role and actions in the garden. The last name of Anderson in the Greek form means Son of Man.

The reference to the Matrix as not the real truth and reality, living in a world where many are deceived. The idea that we all ultimate have the choice of free will, to choice truth (Christianity) or continue living life as normal, either ether blue pill or the red.

When Neo choose the red pill he goes through a process that can be associated with Baptism into Christianity. He then is followed through a learning stage in his new life. Later he is then faced with temptation and other choices.

Morpheous is taken by the agents and tortured to the point of death. Neo goes to save Morpheous and calls him out by telling him to wake up. This could parallel the raising of Lazarus. Another algological figure is Cypher, the Judas figure that turns all of them over the agents for his own benefit.

Near the end Neo is finally cornered by the agent Smith. He is shot. It has been portrayed in the movie if one dies in the Matrix you are dead in real life, since the mind cannot differentiate from the too, your life ends. As Neo dies in the Matrix his body also dies in the real world. Yet, Trinity believes he is the One of the prophecy and tells him that she also loves him. Seventy-two seconds after Neo dies he comes back to life. Parallel to the three days of Christ’s dead and resurrection. Neo no longer can be beat by the agents but can now destroy them.

Conclusion

This is not an exhaustive list of allegories in the movie The Matrix. Personally I recommend you see it for you self. It may not be one that you care for as many in class did not but you never know. There are many other movies that also give allegorical representation of a Jesus figure. You may even find a new one, since many new movies come out weekly.

I have and will continue to use this movie and certain clips as a teaching tool. Hopefully giving new incite for thought in how Jesus is for all people.

Films are entertainment but also can be much more. I hope that in the future you too will find benefits outside of entertainment value. Now go watch a movie and enjoy some popcorn!

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Jesus Christ Superstar is a musical that “frequently comes across as dated and the product of a particular era.” The sixties were a time for change and reinventing rules. “The decade was also labeled the Swinging Sixties because of the fall or relaxation of some social taboos especially relating to sexism and racism that occurred during this time”

Jesus Christ Super Star became a stage musical in 1971 and the film was released in 1973 by director, Norman Jewison. The film was originally a Broadway musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Unlike the musical play, the director took the play off stage and filmed it in the Negev desert. This film is released about five years after the Civil Rights Movement ends and this is the first time in theater we see an African American Judas or an African American with a prominent role in Jesus films.

What the film emphasized
Like other films and productions on Jesus, this movie places emphasis on the suffering of Jesus into his crucifixion. Jewison lost me somewhere in the middle because I did wonder who the real superstar of this film was. Judas was portrayed as Jesus’ opponent. We see Judas as the character whose values and behavior are in conflict with those of Jesus while Jesus seems carefree as he sings along. There is no secret the movie is based on the conflict between Jesus and Judas.

Films intentions
To someone that is looking for the traditional characteristics of Jesus, this film is not the best choice. The Jesus in this movie does a lot of singing and less teaching like other films. Healing miracles don’t seem present and I would say the films intentions focuses more on his death than his resurrection.

This film is not intended for someone that as a practical understanding and view of life and Christianity.

Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell
Another musical that was directed the same year as Jesus Christ Superstar was Godspell. While both movies are musicals I feel they are geared to two different audiences. Godspell shows us a Jesus that is full of energy, entertaining, and funny to the extent of being absurd but I’m not sure if that was intentional or the filmmaker’s motive. The Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar is geared to a more mature audience that does not care to see a flowered Jesus that hangs out with teenagers that want to run around the city of New York and retell the Parables and stories in the gospels. Interesting to see in the musicals is that in one he is a clown and the other he seems laid back while Judas is the one that seems serious about what is going on.

My feelings about this film - who is the real superstar, Jesus or Judas?

Pasolini's Jesus, Matthew's Words

Pasolini’s The Gospel of Saint Matthew presents Pasolini’s Jesus with Matthew’s words. An antiesht, gay, Marxist making a Jesus film, especially in the 1960’s, is certainly a novelty – Pasolini’s film does not disappoint. While the text is taken and restricted to the Gospel of Matthew, the on screen presentation is what makes Pasolini’s vision unique. It is not just that Jesus takes on an activist, Marxist persona, but we find a dramatically human Jesus in a visually striking landscape.

Praise

The Biblical epics of the 1960’s tended to place Jesus in sweeping vistas with dramatic views. Pasolini’s presentation is equally striking, though for different reasons. The harsh Italian landscape with its dilapidated villas creates a sense of foreignness, antiquity, struggle, and poverty. The scenery induces a deep sense of pain and trouble inherent in the lives of the common people. Certainly this is in line with Pasolini’s Marxist ideology, but the film is no cheap ploy or propaganda piece. One is invited into the suffering and scarcity of the characters on the scene in a a particularly organic way. The cinematography invites the viewer to see Jesus in a new light. If this film and its agenda had been filmed by a director of less skill it would have become intolerable to watch. Pasolinin is able to present a controversial understanding of Jesus in a very acceptable way by using only the Biblical text as dialogue and scenery/other chapters to really push the agenda inherent in the movie.

This film also affords an intimate look at many characters. Close up shots and long silences from the lack of dialogue allows Pasolini to invite the viewr into the lives of the characters. The opening scene has a well done close up of Mary with cuts to the adolescent Joseph. The emotion and passion is unmistakable. The Biblical account does not give Joseph’s initial reaction to Mary’s pregnant state. Pasolini cannot have a dialogue in this case, so he uses good acting and cinematography to tell the story. So often mediocre film relies on dialogue and effects to drive the plot. Pasolini’s film is remarkable because it uses the understatement of black and white film and the skill of his actors and crew to move the plot. This is even more remarkable considering that none of the actors are professionals. This film is note worry simply from these technical aspects of filmmaking.

Pasolini also adeptly navigates the tension between a human and divine Jesus. Pasolini does not shy away from showing miracles, though they happen in abrupt and disjointed ways. The teachings of Jesus are also central to the film, namely the Sermon on the Mount. The divine Jesus of the virgin birth and miracles is shown alongside the mortal, moral teacher. Few other Jesus films where crafted in such a way as to preserve such a tension. Pasolini is likely able to maintain this dual identity by adhering closely to the Gospel account.

Critique

The Marxist influence and agenda of the movie, while not abrasive, is rather idiosyncratic. While the cinematography and visual action on the scene is enthralling, it is occasionally disjointed from traditional understandings of the life of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount is traditionally viewed as a teaching on how to be a good moral agent. Pasolini's presentation makes it into a sort of 'call to arms' in which a social transformation is central. The Sermon on the Mount becomes more about social activism and societal reform than it does about how to live one's life before God. Much of the film could be collapsed into this sort of understanding. By the end of the film the viewer comes away with an idea of how to be a good citizen in the world, but not necessarily how to be a faithful person before God.

The historicity of Jesus is also uniquely challenged in this film. Pasolini is much more concerned about the impact of Jesus than about the Jesus of history. While using the Biblical text, Pasolini's visuals re-write the Jesus story in profound ways. Jesus amongst the poor masses and the influence this had is more important than the complex and confusing character seemingly portrayed in the Gospel. Pasolini's Jesus is a Jesus without ambiguity. The viewer knows who Jesus is and what Jesus is about, its only the disciples that seem to misunderstand Jesus' social message. This stands as a weakness in Pasolini's presentation because part of the power of the Jesus narrative is its ambiguity. This ambiguity and indistinctness of Jesus' activity in history could lend itself to a very deep plot. What we receive on the screen, is rather superficial in that there is little development to who Jesus is or what Jesus is about.

Christology on the Silver Screen

"Christology" is the area of Christian theology which concerns the identity of Jesus Christ, specifically the relationship between his humanity and divinity. As a foundational doctrine not explicitly laid out in the New Testament (few doctrines are), Christology has been a source of debate from the beginnings of the Church up to the present. The normative formulation appears in the Chalcedonian Definition (451), also called the Doctrine of the Hypostatic Union. In summary, the Chalcedonian Definition proclaims that Christ is fully human and fully divine, with neither separation nor mixture between the two natures. It functions more as a boundary than as a positive description, excluding positions that violate these essential tenets but allowing a great deal of freedom within the basic limits. My particular interest in viewing Jesus films is the way in which they attempt to portray a protagonist who is both human and divine. I will consider three very different films: The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), and Son of Man (2006).

Greatest Story

George Stevens' The Greatest Story Ever Told strongly emphasizes the divinity of Christ. This suits the film's underlying message, which is a call to faith. It opens with a painting of the exalted Christ on a cathedral ceiling, accompanied by the prologue of the Fourth Gospel. The ending returns to the same painting, this time with Matthew's Great Commission (Mt. 28:19-20). The film draws heavily from the Gospel of John, which is known for its high Christology (emphasizing divinity). The Johannine motif of light versus darkness is prominent, as are Jesus' "I am" statements found only in John. Roman eagles appear frequently, especially at key moments (for example, behind Pilate's head when he questions Jesus and later when he pronounces judgment). I suspect these may be a homage to John, whose apostolic symbol was the eagle, connoting the loftiness of his gospel.

Unfortunately for Stevens, a divine protagonist is very difficult to portray. He casts von Sydow as Jesus, whose stern, morose expression, deep, slow speech, and slight European accent communicate distance. When other characters who attempt levity or familiar conversation, von Sydow's Jesus stifles their enthusiasm. The camera angles frequently look upwards at the already taller-than-average actor, intensifying the sense that this Jesus is above us but not really one of us. By exacerbating the gnostic tendencies in John, Stevens has given us an Apollinarian Jesus ("God in a Bod"), who has a human body but not a human mind. The content of his preaching is likewise super-human to the point of being un-human. The central message of love and mercy contrasts with a holier-than-thou teacher for whom followers' best efforts are never enough. At the same time, Jesus' stoic disregard for external troubles seems both impractical and irresponsible. When we hear his final command, "Love one another as I have loved you," we are likely puzzled; how has he loved his disciples? He does not even appear to like them! The film's poor reception was most likely due to its unlikeable protagonist. As one critic quipped, "God is unlucky in The Greatest Story Ever Told. His only-begotten Son turns out to be a bore." (John Simon, New York Magazine, cited at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Story_Ever_Told).

Last Temptation

I find Martin Scorcese's Last Temptation to be the most interesting and also most challenging film in terms of Christology. The opening screen quotes from the prologue of Kazantzakis's book: "The dual substance of Christ – the yearning, so human, so superhuman, of man to attain God or, more exactly, to return to God and identify himself with him - has always been a deep inscrutable mystery to me." Scorsese also includes a curious disclaimer that this is not a story about the Jesus found in the gospels. The move is clearly prudent, but it may be disingenuous; the film closely follows the novel of the same name by Kazantzakis, who unapologetically presents his narrative as a reflection on the Jesus of the gospels. (Amusingly, the publishers make a similar statement: "This book is a work of fiction...any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.") On the other hand, Scorsese's disclaimer is accurate in that what concerns both his film and its parent novel is not the historical life of Jesus in its details but with its significance for humans' existential consciousness. The film need not be read as an endorsement of a particular creed; it is more of a reflection, a Christology in progress.

The plot revolves around Jesus' own process of discovering who he is. He knows that he is the Son of God. He also knows full well that he is a human being subject to weakness and capable of sin. What he does not understand is how these two natures can coexist. Much of his suffering comes from the struggle to understand what the Father's will is; how should a God-Man live? Jesus describes himself as full of fear. I suggest that in the context of the film Jesus "fear" is fear of facing the enormous responsibility before him; if the salvation of the world rests on his shoulders, any moral stumbling could doom all of humanity. This idea fits well with Kazantzakis's existentialism, which stresses human responsibility in every moral decision. Existentialists were especially attentive to the ambiguity which complicates attempts to act justly; in the midst of a cosmos we cannot understand, faced with situations whose particularity makes an absolute moral law impossible, how can human beings determine the right course of action? Kazantzakis and Scorsese call on Jesus at this point, not only as Savior who dies in our place but as the "pioneer and perfector of our faith," who shows us how to live. The Christology not strictly Chalcedonian. Most significantly, the two natures of Christ appear in conflict (violating the limit "without separation"). While the film is not orthodox, it could be described as "reverently heretical."

Son of Man

The Christology in Son of Man seems to me relatively uncomplicated. In this reappropriation of the gospel, Jesus is completely human. Whether or not he is also divine matters little, if at all, for the plot and message. He appears indistinguishable from the people around him, except for his message. This Jesus never calls people to faith in him, but rather to commitment to his way of life. He is superior to other human beings only in that he has a vision they have not yet received, making him a leader among equals rather than the "my Lord and my God!" of Thomas's confession. By the end, when the community has made this vision their own, they do not need the teacher's presence. Thus, the climax occurs at the Pentecost moment, to which the Resurrection is an epilogue. His ultimate victory is to make his own presence unnecessary.

Evaluation

Christology is an unavoidable ingredient in any Jesus film, but it can be taken in countless directions. Viewers would do well to realize that a film is not the same as a theological statement. These films are more reflection than explication or normative interpretation. This allows for charity in viewing the films; we do not have to be on the defensive for orthodox Christology. In fact, a technically "heretical" film may be more helpful to spiritual growth because of its capacity to challenge previously unquestioned assumptions and provide new material for reflection.

Two Marys’ of the New Testament as Portrayed in Film: Scriptural Confusion or Cinematic License

The name Mary is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Miriam or Marianne. It can mean wise woman or lady. It was used many times in the New Testament so it was apparently a popular name during that time. The focus of this blog will be on Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. How they are written about in scripture and how they are portrayed in films.
Gospel Scriptural References

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are the main sources of information that the Christian church has on the life or history of Jesus. There are theological disagreements on the historical accuracy of the Gospels since they were written by humans and ascribed as factual wittings of events. There is also debate on whether the ascribed writers were actual disciples or just attributed to these individuals, especially since these were oral stories that had been passed down in the church until they were written down fifty to seventy years after Christ death and resurrection. There is a belief that each of the Gospels where written to different audiences, giving a specific focus to different genres.

Even given all these factors, the Gospels not only mention many women but also give them prominent roles is extraordinary. Especially in a cultural period that women were seen less important than even slaves. Jewish men thanked God daily that they were not born as women. Greek philosophy was admired during that time. The Greek theory of dualism was fluent where everything had an equal and opposite other, negative and positive, women were placed in the negative category.

As the Gospels are our main source for knowledge of the life of Jesus, Christians use this as the litmus test for any other outside portrayal. So we begin our look at these two Marys in the parallel Gospels.

Mary the mother of Jesus

The book of Matthew begins with the birth of Jesus and the importance of Jesus’ mother Mary. Mary is throughout the beginning of the book of the Matthew 1-2. She is the mentioned as Jesus’ mother and Jesus’ other siblings in Matthew 13:55. Matthew then mentions Mary the mother of Jesus at the end of the book were she is present at the crucifixion and resurrection.
In Mark, Mary is mentioned in 6:3 to be Jesus mother and Jesus’ brother and sisters. She is then mentioned in Mark 15-16 at the crucifixion and resurrection. Mark is the shortest of all the Gospels.

In Luke, the book is more comprehensive in the story of Jesus’ life. Luke 1-2 is full of detailed information on Mary and Joseph’s call to be the parents of Jesus the Christ. This is where the connection of Mary and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist is told. Mary song is also detailed. The story that Jesus is taken to the temple and how not only Jesus is prophesized over but Mary too. Again, in chapter 24 Mary and women are at the resurrection and told the remaining disciples.

In John, Mary is fist mentioned at a wedding in John 2:1-11 that both she and Jesus attend; where she asks him to turn water into wine. This gives Mary and Jesus’ relations a different dynamic as maybe a center of her family and is respected by her adult son. She is then not mentioned again until John 19 and 20 when she is at the cross with other women and at the resurrection.

Mary Magdalene

Since there are many Marys that are mentioned in the Bible, we will only note the scriptures refer to Mary Magdalene, meaning that she was from the town/village of Magdala on the western side of the Sea of Galilee. This would be done to help narrow what Mary was associated to particular acts.

There are very few references to Mary Magdalene in scriptures. Many times, she is joined with Mary the mother of Jesus and other women. This would seem appropriate since women being alone with a man or men would be inappropriate outside of their family. She is also referred to as a financial supporter of Jesus and his disciples. She may have been looked at as a leader of the group of following women.

In Matthew and Mark, Mary Magdalene is not mentioned until she is at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus with other women, Matthew 27:56; Matthew 2761; 28:1; Mark 15:40; 15:47; 16:1, 9.

In Luke 8:1-3 Mary Magdalene is the only time defined as possessed by demons~
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.(NRSV)

Again she is indicated as being at the cross and resurrection with the other women, Luke 24:10.
In the book of John Mary Magdalene is referred to by name at the crucifixion in John 19. She then is also at the resurrection and could be considered the first missionary. She meets the risen Jesus and runs to tell the disciples of the resurrected Jesus, John 20:1-18.

Film Representations of Mary the Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene

This is where as a Christian if we were presented with only a cinema-graphic picture of these women we may be very confused with the written events in scripture. We do recognize that in writing many things are left out. Even in the Gospel of John 21: 25 he acknowledges this, “But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (NRSV)
So we have to come to viewing films of the life of Jesus as not final authority but recognize it as an entertainment medium. Many times directors and writers will reinvent scenes of characters to fit their own creative view or increase cinematic drama.

Looking at three of the films that we have seen this semester let us see how these Marys have been portrayed.

King of Kings 1927

In this film, a silent film, the portrayal of Mary the Mother of Jesus is seen as virginal and holy. I am not sure that she is not in a scene that does not also have dove flying around. Her dress is very conservative, covered from head to toe. She seems to have a calming presence about her at all times. She is shown in other scenes with Jesus and his disciples that are not present in scriptures. Yet, as a women and the mother of God she is still portrayed in the background, but more holy than others women. She also is represented as having some female camaraderie with Mary Magdalene after her conversion as a follower of Jesus. This Mary has the alluded essences of what many would associate with the Mary of Catholicism.

Mary Magdalene in this film is portrayed so uniquely that I knew I needed to use this film as one of my examples. The film begins with Mary Magdalene as a main figure. She is portrayed as a well to do concubine associated with Judas Iscariot. She is scantily clad, for me surprisingly for this dated film, with heavy makeup and jewelry. She has her own entourage and servants, portrayed as wealthy and a concubine to many famous individuals. She has been given numerous gifts, even a set of zebras she uses for horses. She goes to seek out her wayward suitor Judas who is now following Jesus. She is appalled at being left. When she meets Jesus, she tries to sway him but just his presence affects her so that she begins to change. In a dramatic scene is exercised of seven demons, during which time she is changed. Her hair, clothes and jewels are transformed into a more conservative manner. This is the only movie we watched that actual had the scene of her healing, the only factual reference to her ailment in scripture. Mary Magdalene in now one of Jesus’ troupe and is seen with Mary Jesus’ mother and other women through the film.

Jesus of Montreal 1989

This foreign film is a more modern portrayal of Jesus. It is a little harder to associate who is who in the film because of this. The film is a portrayal of a reenacting of the passion play for a Catholic church. The ‘Jesus’ character, Daniel in the movie, is asked to gather a group of actors to freshen up the old rendition of the play. There is no mother of Jesus in this film but there is a mother figure, who has a young daughter. She portrays this in the friendship of the actors outside of the actual play rendition. This mother is nowhere near perfect as she is having a sexual relationship with the priest in the film. Yet, when the rest of the groups is around, she is the figure that makes sure they eat, is comfortable and is the caring mother character. She also builds a friendship with all the actors and they gather at her home, some evening living there. When the Jesus actor dies, she is there caring for him with the Mary Magdalene character. Even in the end, she is there to encourage carrying on his legacy of truth and justice.

The character that portrays the Mary Magdalene type is Mireille. Mary Magdalene is again portrayed as a sex object. She is an actress that does scantily clad rolls and is sexually involved with her director. The ‘Jesus’ character saves her from this to play in the Passion play. She moves in with the group and the mother figures home. She is called by Jesus (Daniel) to change her way of life and not to compromise herself. There remains a hint that she had some type of attraction to ‘Jesus’ more that platonic but nothing develops in the movie. She becomes friends with the mother character and is there at Jesus’ (Daniel’s) death. Her life as with all the actors or followers of Daniel is change by their experience, not only from the play but also from their friendship.

The Passion of the Christ 2004

As many know this film by Mel Gibson focuses on the last twelve hours of Jesus’ life yet has sprinkled throughout clips of previous events of his life. With Gibson being a Catholic, it is not surprising to see Mary Jesus’ mother as portrayed in a holy perfect light. She seems to be even dressed as a nun throughout the film. She is humble throughout and always in the background with Jesus and his disciples. She is portrayed as a loving mother supporting her son, knowing where his life will lead, to the cross. Yet, there is a wonderful scene of camaraderie with mother and son where he is building a table and she calls him to wash and eat. In the end, she is always there even watching the brutal scenes of his beating, even on hands and knees wiping up his splatter blood. She runs through the street with the disciple John and Mary Magdalene to follow Jesus to the cross. She never leaves his side. They watch his crucifixion, death and burial. The Marys both go to the find to Jesus is risen. She is a devoted mother to the end. One that really cannot compare to anyone human today. No mother I know could mental stand to see such horror happen to their child. This Mary has something more. Some type of superhuman ability to stand this atrocity.

Mary Magdalene is a staunch follower of Jesus and friend to Mary his mother. Here she is portrayed in roles that were not ascribed to her in scripture. An adulterous and the women with the alabaster jar of oil to wash Jesus’ feet. As a follower of Jesus, her clothes and actions become more subdued. She is now a dedicated disciple of Jesus and is seen with His mother throughout his final hours.

Women seem to be more prominent in the film if nothing but as supporters and staunch followers even when many of the disciples deserted Jesus.

Conclusion

Most of the films we have watched have taken cinematic license when portraying many of the scenes in the films compared to the scriptural writings. Yet, it seems that the most dramatic license taken is with the character of Mary Magdalene. She is portrayed as an adulterous woman in almost every film even thought scriptures never say this about her.

As filmgoers, we are to always recognize first and for most, these films are for entertainment value and made for economic profit. If one is seeking personal theological enlightenment, one needs to turn back to the scripture and prayer.

Eye Has Not Seen Nor Camera Filmed…

How can the medium of film respond to the ineffable? The ineffable cannot by definition be said so how can film acknowledge this and point towards this unspeakable dimension, affirming that it is in some sense real? To do justice to this question would far exceed the capacity of this blog entry and so I narrow it to focus upon one particular motif that challenges the capacity of language. How has the Resurrection of Christ been addressed in three selected Jesus movies and what is the significance of some specific choices in terms of the theology conveyed?
For each of the movies addressed I will offer some comments on their “Resurrection scene” or lack thereof, but also the motif of resurrection as indirectly reflected throughout the film.

My rationale is two-fold: (1) The canonical gospels were written through the lens of faith in the Resurrection. If there had been no Resurrection faith, there would have been no canonical gospels as we know them. Therefore the entire gospel narrative is affected by this central faith-claim. Some gospel passages such as the transfiguration account and, arguably, nature miracles may be concerned with the Risen Christ who is conflated with the Jesus of Nazareth. That is, it may be overly simplistic to assume that the gospels are chronological biographies of Jesus’ life, and that everything recounted before the burial of Jesus is concerned with a pre-Easter Jesus. The gospels do not neatly distinguish between the flesh and blood Jesus of Nazareth and the Christ of Faith. For the Gospel-writers, Christ was risen and they could not view Christ except through Easter-tinted spectacles. Therefore to whatever extent Jesus movies are influenced by the gospels, long before an empty tomb scene if indeed there is on, they depict choices with implications as to how Resurrection is to be understood. (2) A strain of Christian thought since the enlightenment conceives of Resurrection not in terms of an event in a tomb on a particular date in history but rather as a transformation of perspective that is ever-available. Kant divests Jesus of a virgin birth, miracles, substitutionary atonement and Resurrection. Subsequent voices in biblical criticism (Bultmann) and of Jesus scholarship (Crossan, Borg) have continued this tradition of demythologization. While such thinkers may deny the historicity of Jesus’ bodily Resurrection in 30-33AD, they do not necessarily deny the doctrine of Resurrection per se. This broad understanding of Resurrection makes more complex the question as to how a movie portrays “the Resurrection”. What follows are reflections on three of the more innovative renderings of Resurrection in Jesus movies.

(I) Jesus of Montreal (Denys Arcand, 1989): The movie’s protagonist is named Daniel, his name evoking the biblical book wherein the author recounts an apocalyptic vision of “one like a Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven” (7:13) Daniel “resurrects” a passion play which had become tired and unappealing. However his reinvigorated version of the play falls foul of the ubiquitous Catholic authorities. It could also be argued that Daniel prompts Resurrection as a transformation in perspective on the part of his fellow actors, prompting them to challenge institutional authority and demand human dignity. Having committed assault and destruction of property in protest against the degradation of an actress by the sleazy producers of a beer commercial, Daniel incurs the interest of the civil authorities. However, it is neither the ecclesiastical or civil establishment that brings about Daniel’s death. Rather, the cause is a tragic accident during a performance of the play. It could be argued that callous incompetence and a failure to treat Daniel at St. Mark’s Catholic hospital contributed, through sin of omission, to this tragedy. In a surreal subway scene an impliedly brain-damaged Daniel yells apocalyptic warnings along the lines of the visions recounted in the biblical book bearing his name. The Book of Daniel envisages “One like a Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven” (7:13) Such apocalyptic imagery is evocative of the Second Coming and a general Resurrection. After Daniel later expires at a Jewish hospital, one of his co-workers, shocked by this death, murmurs consent to the donation of his organs. While Daniel’s heart and eyes, it is implied, will bring a new lease of life to their recipients, this is a problematic Resurrection. Daniel’s death was neither at the hands of the forces of evil not chosen by Daniel so as to fulfill a mission. So too his “Resurrection” is difficult to attribute to any intention of his part. Neither does this Resurrection seem capable of inspiring authentic continuation of any mission Daniel may have had. The prospect of a theater company founded in his honor seems ill-fated and is cynically portrayed in this movie in which all institutions are viewed as evil. At best, the Resurrection implied is one guided by an unseen hand that transcends the intentions of Daniel or his disciples. Such an interpretation would suggest the agency of apocalyptic forces beyond human intentionality.

(II) The Last Temptation of Christ (Scorsese, 2004): If one were to consider the Resurrection only in terms of a specific event in Jesus’ tomb, then this movie does not portray the Resurrection at all. Indeed, the encounter between Jesus and Paul of Tarsus evokes doubt as to whether Jesus rose from the dead. This said, the movie offers glimpses of the afterlife as Jesus receives several visitors from beyond the grave: the master of a monastery, John the Baptists and Isaiah, as though to signify that Jesus exists at the portal of life and death. If Resurrection can take the form of a change in perspective and the awakening of eternal life within, it could be argued that this movie offers an exquisite study of the topic. I suggest that Resurrection in this movie is constituted by death to self and rising to other-centeredness. In a paradoxical sense, spiritual death is this movie would be for Jesus to accede to the temptations presented in his reverie of escape from the cross. In this vein of thought, Resurrection ironically takes the forms of Jesus’ transformation of perspective wherein he embraces his crucifixion. That is to say, within the world of this movie, Jesus’ cross is Resurrection whereas evading the cross would constitute spiritual death.

(III) Son of Man (Dornford-May 2005): The film set in land identified as Judea but clearly steeped in the culture, languages, vistas and struggles of southern Africa. The movie exhibits a tension between a gospel of supernaturalism, represented by the presence angels and Satan, and a gospel of liberation. David Jenkins writes of the rise of supernaturalist, evangelical Christianity that thrives in Africa, a faith more concerned with apocalyptic concerns than with justice in the here and now. Before embarking upon a mission of liberation, Jesus tells an angel, ‘This is my world”. This Jesus is concerned about the struggle for earthly justice. It is he who has been incarnated into the midst of a desperate struggle for liberation. I argue that the Resurrection in this movie is most powerfully conveyed through the actions of Mary the Mother of Jesus who exhumes the battered corpse of her murdered son, exhibits it on a cross for all to see and defies armed soldiers poised to gun down the band of Jesus’ followers chanting a song of protests before his cross. Jesus also lives on in colorful murals depicting scenes from this ministry, perhaps an equivalent to the “oral tradition” and the eventual committal of the Christian scriptures to writing. At the movies end however, Jesus is seen celebrating with the angels, perhaps in an indication that he has returned to the supernatural order. His incarnation in this world is continued in the witness of Mary and his followers. “Son of Man’ drives home the point that the Resurrection is not complete without Pentecost and Ascension. At Pentecost, the mission of the incarnate Christ is passed on to the Mystical Body of Christ made incarnate in the emboldened Church that is empowered to continue his mission. Also, as Jean-Luc Marion proposes, the incarnate Jesus must in some sense ascend so his disciples can become the face of charity. On a related notion, Peter Trachtenberg refers to the “presence of absence”, the bitter-sweet sense in which a deceased loved one is more present than ever they were, no longer subject to spatiotemporal limits but mysteriously and, perhaps, painfully present in all that is.

In conclusion, the portrayal of Resurrection in Jesus movies can permeate the mise-en-scène beyond an explicit “Resurrection scene”. None of the three movies considered in this piece include a reconstruction of an empty tomb scene yet all convey a perspective on Resurrection. In Jesus of Montreal, Resurrection is an instance wherein a mysterious providence prevails in the affairs of humanity, largely beyond the agency of any of the characters, including the Christ-like Daniel. In The Last Temptation of Christ, Resurrection is a transformation of perspective, whereby Jesus recognizes his temptation as evil and comes to embrace the will of God as best he knows it. In Son of Man, Resurrection is made manifest in human courage and integrity in the face of oppression. Each perspective may validly identify a dimension of Christian belief in Resurrection, perhaps representing aesthetically aspects of Resurrection that cannot be rendered in the prose of doctrinal propositions. Resurrection carries apocalyptic overtones that agencies beyond human control are operative in the world. Resurrection may be a transformation of perspective wherein self-centeredness dies to other-centeredness in an act of sacrifice. Equally well, Resurrection is witness to justice, defying the forces of oppression. Each of these movies can challenge viewers to think beyond Resurrection as resuscitation and stone-rolling.

Barabbas: Leader, Rebel, or Murderer?

When looking at the character of Barabbas in Jesus films, it is always interesting to see how he is going to be portrayed and what he will look like. In trying to paint a picture of what Barabbas will look like, one has to wonder what a murderer looks like, how they act, and if they will look guilty or innocent.

Barabbas in scripture
The story of Barabbas can be found in the four gospels: Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:16-25, and John 18:39-40. Matthew uses the word “notorious” to imply that he might have been publicly or generally known. Mark and Luke use the word “insurrection” which could mean that he was arrested with those that took part in a revolt Mark or that he had taken part in the revolt as stated in Luke. John simply says he had taken part in a rebellion. What we know about Barabbas by reading scripture is that he has committed murder and the rest is left to our imagination.

Barabbas in Film
When most films decide to show a scene with Barabbas and Jesus, it seems they usually use the gospel of Matthew to stay true to the biblical text and this is how it usually goes:
Kings of Kings (1961)
This movie shows Barabbas in a way I have never seen him before. It challenges me to ask the question, is Barabbas the King of Kings or is it Jesus. This movie shows us a man that is not only a fighter in the resistance to the Romans but also a leader. The movie opens with 10,000 rebel Jews hiding in the hills and their leader Barabbas is wanted for murder. The Romans had been trying to capture Barabbas but were unsuccessful. The friendship between Judas and Barabbas is also one I find interesting about this movie. It adds an interesting element to think that Barabbas would be “best friends” with the man that would betray Jesus. When Jesus is introduced in the picture, Judas and Barabbas have a conversation about it: Judas: A new prophet has come into town and he has the same first name as yourself, Jesus. Barabbas: we need more fighters and fewer prophets. Barabbas was obviously regarded as someone that was important since they cared enough to tell him a new prophet was in town. It appears Barabbas is still the hero in this movie and he makes the comment: Barabbas: I need a prophet to help me win over the people, can this Jesus do it? Barabbas wanted to meet Jesus but for reasons that had to do with the fight. In this movie, he was known as the Messiah of war and someone that was leading the Jews in their fight for freedom. It was interesting to see how Nicholas Ray had shown us a Barabbas that was young, handsome, and intelligent enough to lead an underground operation to fight the Romans. The scene that shows Pilate asking the Jews who he should release, Jesus or Barabbas happens while Barabbas is in Jail so he never gets to see how the crowd responds or reacts. Upon his relief, he acts surprised that they had actually chosen him but walks away feeling somewhat important. *Movies like The Greatest Story ever Told, Jesus Christ Superstar, and the Last Temptation of Christ do not take the time to show Barabbas at all.
The Passion of the Christ (2004) Unlike Nicholas Ray, Mel Gibson did something different with the character of Barabbas. Barabbas was referred to as a notorious murder, he looked like a villain, and he was very different from Ray’s Barabbas who played the hero. When Barabbas was released to the crowd, they seemed disgusted and did not want anything to do with him. It seemed they feared Barabbas as if his actions were unpredictable. Gibson shows us a man that is slightly over weight, dirty, and blind in one eye (probably lost an eye fighting).


Time and emphasis devoted to Barabbas
The scene with Barabbas can take less than five minutes to go through what happens when Pilate is asking the crowd whether he needs to release Jesus or Barabbas. Some films have taken the time to give Barabbas his five minutes of fame while others have completely ignored that scene. In passion plays, the story of Barabbas does not really say much about the life of Jesus and it would make sense that films don’t really spend too much talking about him. There was a 1961 film about Barabbas which explained what happened to Barabbas after he was released. Since scripture does not say much about his life after his release, one can conclude that such films are based on historical fiction and not fact.


Goals of the filmmaker
When filmmakers like Gibson take the time to introduce Barabbas it seems the goal is to remain true to the biblical text by showing us a notorious murderer. Once in a way you run into directors like Nicholas Ray that embellish the story of Barabbas and make you ask the question, who is the real king of kings.. Jesus or Barabbas? As I said before, the character of Barabbas is not as important as other characters like Judas and when they are not included in passion plays, it is easy to not notice that they have been omitted and when they are included, a director has a decision… whether or not they give Barabbas his five minutes of fame or not even bother mentioning him.