Jesus
of Montreal
(1989)
- Information at Internet
Movie Database
-
Roger Ebert Review, Chicago Sun-Times
- Themes
- Call
- The decision to do
the play and the summons of each of the actors.
- Crucifixion
- The character Daniel is the director of a small,
experimental production company dramatizing the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus. But the controversial script he writes upsets
the church which originally sponsored the show. One night police
officers attempt to close the production. The audience protests. And
in the scuffle that ensues, the cross on which Daniel is mounted (in
dramatic imitation of the real crucifixion) falls over. The
weight of the cross crushes Daniel, mortally wounding him. Later,
Daniel dies in an over-crowded, under-staffed hospital. His donated
body-parts help others to continue living. These donations act as a
resurrection. (Robert Widdowson)
- Eucharist
- A brief scene where the actors cut up a pizza and
share some wine. (submitted by Kurt Hansen)
- Incarnation of
God
- "Jesus of Montreal" is the greatest movie
on the incarnation in contemporary setting. (Submitted by Ann
Fontaine, Lander WY)
- Discipleship, Redemption,
Cleansing the Temple, Temptation, Resurrection
- This is a film that is so rich it could
illustrate any number of themes: discipleship, temptation,
redemption, etc. Jesus of Montreal tells the story of an actor hired
to help update a parish's annual Passion Play. He gathers a group of
actors around him and in interesting ways the actors lives
mirror the stories of Jesus and his followers from the gospels.
Memorable scenes for me include the gathering of the actors (Jesus
calling his disciples); the actor destroying a television studio
(Jesus destroys the temple); a lawyer trying to get the actor to
sign a contract (temptation in the wilderness); and the dead actor's
organs being donated so that others can have life. (submitted by
Rev. Maria Nightingale)
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