Thursday, February 2, 2023

Jesus movie screenings

Well, it isn't *exactly* the Jesus Film Festival, but the Church of the Nazarene is, at least, willing to screen the films.  This will be happening over the next few months, with the initial suggestion being that we will be screening the films at the Church of the Nazarene on Saturday nights at 6 PM, with some discussion time to follow the screening.

The movies, sorted by length/running time, are:

"Godspell" - 102 min
"Jesus" - 174 min
"Jesus of Nazareth" - 382 min

The reason for noting the running time is that, given a 6 PM start, we don't want to go too late on a Saturday night, and, particularly, not to start with.  I am loath to start with a movie that has to be split into parts, but I also wouldn't want to start with one of the musicals ("Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar") as some would consider them disrespectful.  Ordinarily I would also want to put "The Miracle Maker" later in the run, as a children's matinee, but, given all the factors to consider, I think that is where we have to start.  And I suspect that the next one has to be a two-part "Jesus."

So, based on a start date of February 11th, we get a schedule (always subject to changes) of:

Feb. 18 -Jesus (part 1) 
Feb. 25 - Jesus (part 2)
Mar. 4 - Godspell
Mar. 11 - The Greatest Story Ever Told (part 1)
Mar. 18 - The Greatest Story Ever Told (part 2)
Apr. 1 - The Miracle Maker (2 PM children's matinee) (cancelled)
Apr. 15 - Jesus of Nazareth (part 1) sc 1-26
Apr. 22 - Jesus of Nazareth (part 2) sc 27-50
May 6 - Jesus of Nazareth (part 3) sc 51-71
May 13 - Jesus of Nazareth (part 4) sc 72-90

(You will have noticed that I suggest "The Miracle Maker" be re-screened April 1st: this is not a joke, I would suggest it be available as a children's matinee on that date.)

Outline/precis of the films:

An animated, short, and fairly simple portrayal of Jesus' period of ministry, basically as seen by the daughter of Jairus, leader of a synagogue in the area of Galilee.

"Jesus" - 174 min
Originally a TV mini-series, the most recent title of the film series.  Again, covers the ministry period of Jesus life.  Gary Oldman does the most Machiavellian Pilate of the series.  It is very interesting to compare the portrayals of Peter, and the motivations of Judas, in the different movie versions.  (This was Gloria's favourite, as it portrays Jesus as very human, often joking with the disciples.)

"Godspell" - 102 min
One of the two musicals.  (Interestingly, both musicals were written by Jewish authors, and both end at the crucifiction.)  This is heavily influenced from the 60s.  Interestingly, one character seems to portray John the Baptist, Peter, and Judas, all in one.

The "art film" of the series.  Very beautiful cinematography, although sometimes very slow paced, as a movie.  The characters of the disciples are very much subordinate to the portrayal of Jesus.  (Also check for John Wayne's cameo, the most unintentionally hilarious moment of the whole series.)

The rock opera.  Some may find this a disrespectful portrayal of Jesus, as it very much stresses his humanity.

"Jesus of Nazareth" - 382 min
The longest and most complete version of the life of Jesus (starting with the betrothal of Mary and Joseph), but theologically influenced by the Catholic church in many places.


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