Every Easter, I try to watch at least one film representation of the events of the Paschal Mysteries. I have some particular favourites that I thought I would share with my readers who may be having a challenging time trying to choose something appropriate. (I have given each a rating out of 10). They are ranked also according to the level of intensity in their depiction. Each film is linked to its listing in the Internet Movie Database (IMDB)

These are my picks:

1. The Passion of the Christ

When The Passion of the Christ came out in theatres in Ontario four years ago, we were strongly encouraged by our parish priest at the time, to make an effort to see it on the big screen. As much as I wanted to do that, I knew that the likelihood of convincing myself to go and see it was very slim. This was not because I had a beef with the director – fair play to Mel Gibson – he may have his personal demons, and commit certain sins for which we can fail to reprimand him, but the film itself is a testament of faith–not only Mel Gibson’s, but the faith of any Catholic or Christian who believes in the Life, Death and Resurrection of our Lord.

Despite knowledge of the great acclaim for the movie, I was not inclined to see it for a number of reasons. I knew that I would not be able to handle it. I cry at Humane Society ads, for heavens sake! How would I possibly fare in a packed theatre wherein the Christ, who I believe existed, died and was buried, surely to rise again was being being flayed to the point of resembling a cow carcass in a meat locker?

There were many rumours about how graphic the film was and how difficult it was to watch. My husband and I discussed it and we decided the best thing would be to wait until the film was on video and we would have control over what was on the screen (albeit smaller).

I have no recriminations about this decision. We eventually bought a copy of the dvd in widescreen and watched it together. It was an extremely moving experience. The film is without question the most powerful movie I have ever seen (and I have seen many – classics, foreign and contemporary). I was grateful to have the control over the images, but we watched almost every minute of the 127 with exception of the majority of the flogging scenes. Jim Caviezel embodies Christ as if Christ himself is guiding his every motion and word. The representation of Satan is at once gruesome and captivating.

Gibson’s vision is magnificent. We will be watching it again this Easter and probably every Easter to come. I am thankful that Mel Gibson had the inclination to produce such a film, whatever his issues may be now. (available on dvd)9.5/10

2. Jesus of Nazareth

One of my favourite depictions of the Good Friday events is the television miniseries from 1977, Jesus of Nazareth.

If you’ve never seen this miniseries, let me just say that it is well worth your time to check it out. It is directed by Franco Zeffirelli, who in 1968 also gave us Romeo and Juliet (long before Baz Luhrman decided to turn it into a “high-octane” remake) starring Olivia Hussey as a radiant Juliet and Michael York as her fiery cousin, Tybalt. The screenplay was written by Anthony Burgess.

The cast of Jesus of Nazareth is a virtual who’s who of veteran and up-and-coming actors of the 70s, featuring the likes of James Farentino as Simon Peter, Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene, Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins in LOTL), as Zerah, Christopher Plummer as Herod Antipas, and Ian McShane as a brooding and ultimately desperate Judas Iscariot.

Rod Steiger is a pompous yet contemplative Pontius Pilate and Peter Ustinov plays a slightly comic, yet menacing Herod the Great. Zeffirelli again uses Michael York as a memorable John the Baptist and Olivia Hussey is restrained and beatific as Mary, the Virgin, mother of Christ.

The role of Jesus was played by newcomer, Robert Powell, whose steely, blue eyes rivet the viewer to the screen. Although he looks nothing like the real Jesus most likely did, he is the epitome of the classic Jesus of Renaissance artwork. His performance is stellar.

The beauty of Jesus of Nazareth, is that it incorporates the entire life of Jesus – not just his Passion. Thus, at Christmastime, for example, you can take it out and watch the first part which is the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth at Bethlehem. At Easter you can watch the chapters that are pertinent, or you can have a marathon viewing at any time and watch the entire work.

In my opinion, this miniseries is a beautifully shot, well-acted, faithful depiction of the life of our Lord, and one that can be watched without any concerns as to its veracity. (available on dvd) 8.5/10

3. The Day Christ Died

Another Good Friday film that gets quite a bit of television air time over the Easter Weekend (or it used to), is a tv movie from 1980 entitled, The Day Christ Died, directed by James Cellan Jones. In this film, Jesus is played by the actor Chris Sarandon. He is far truer to what we would expect a man of Israel to look like. He has dark, curly hair, an olive complexion and his appearance is quite believable as Christ. He also does a pretty good job of conveying the serenity and mysticism of Jesus.

This adaptation is not extremely well-rated, but I have no problems with it as it is populated with a number of fine British actors including among others, Jonathan Pryce (a Bond villain), Tim Pigott-Smith (one of the stars of The Jewel In The Crown) and John Savident (of Coronation St. fame). In terms of a film to watch that depicts the true story of Jesus, this one is not bad at all. I would give it a (look for it in t.v. listings – not available on dvd or vhs) 7/10

4. Jesus Christ Superstar

For a truly memorable version of the story of Jesus’ life, the one film that relates the story with a blend of conviction and the added bonus of a fantastic music score, is director Norman Jewison’s adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar.

This film utilizes somewhat of a play-within-a-play device in that we see the actors who are playing the roles actually make their appearance as actors and then physically take on their roles on screen. The film opens with a colourful bus driving through the Israeli desert to the sound of pulsating rock music. The bus comes to a dusty halt and one by one, the actors who will portray Jesus, his followers, and his persecutors, disembark and begin unloading their staging equipment and donning costumes. Many of the actors remain in their civilian dress of the time – hippie-style “threads” with fringes, laces, flowing sleeves, and bell-bottoms.

This version of events is related from the perspective of the betrayer, Judas Iscariot and Carl Anderson, who plays Judas, has a more than significant role in the film. His songs are the most difficult, his choreography the most vigorous, but he handles both brilliantly.

The role of Christ is played by Ted Neeley, who started out in the role of Claude in the musical Hair in 1969, played as an understudy to the Jesus role in 1971 and then took the lead onstage in 1972 in the original stage production. Even today, Neeley continues to play the role of Jesus on tour, to rave reviews, despite now being 65 years old. Apparently he still has “the pipes”, so more power to him!

The music is haunting, addictive, alternately rejoicing and mournful. The story is gripping and revelatory. You will never forget this production once you see it. The rock opera element in no way diminishes the value of the film as a spiritual, faith-filled example of the last days of our Lord. Not a definite acknowledgment of the reality of Jesus as the son of God, it nonetheless does not ever say that he is not. This is a good movie for teenagers too, since it has the rock music element.

According to Tim Rice (in an interview on the dvd), the recording of Jesus Christ Superstar was made prior to there ever being a stage show. The double album on vinyl was a popular addition to many a young person’s collection in 1972. Both my cousin and I bought copies of the album and we knew every word of the libretto and every note of music. I don’t know about her, but I still do. Not surprisingly, my husband, who was not raised a Catholic, but is the same age as I am, knows all of the songs too. One of our favourite songs is performed by deep, bass-toned, Caiphas and tenor, Annas along with the priests of the Sanhedrin, decked out in their black robes and black, conical and bulbous hats standing on scaffolding in the middle of the desert. This scene and their song, “Jesus Must Die” is firmly entrenched in my brain for life; So too, Yvonne Elliman’s (Mary Magdalene) tender and stirring performance of “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”.

So 8/10 for the movie (available on dvd and vhs), but 10/10 for the soundtrack.

Each of these versions of the story of Jesus’ Passion is very different for various reasons, but each one has merit in its own right and I recommend watching them each at least once if you get the opportunity to do so.