Jesus of Montreal is a Canadian film released in 1989, directed by Denys Arcand. It tells the story of a young actor named Daniel, who is hired to play the role of Jesus in a Passion play at a Montreal church. However, as Daniel delves deeper into the role, he begins to question the traditional portrayal of Jesus and the Church's teachings. He becomes inspired to rewrite the script and put on a performance that challenges the Church's beliefs and traditions, causing conflict with the church authorities.
One of the main themes of Jesus of Montreal is the question of faith and religion. The film explores the idea that religion can be a force for good, but also that it can be used to manipulate and control people. This is exemplified through the character of the priest, who uses his position of power to manipulate the church and its followers, and the character of Daniel, who becomes disillusioned with the Church and its teachings as he learns more about the true nature of Jesus and his message.
Another theme of the film is the role of art and creativity in society. Daniel's performance of the Passion play is meant to be a traditional retelling of the story of Jesus, but he takes it upon himself to rewrite the script and add his own interpretation. This act of creativity and self-expression is met with resistance from the Church, who see it as a threat to their authority. However, the film ultimately suggests that art and creativity can be a powerful force for change and can inspire people to think differently about their beliefs and the world around them.
Overall, Jesus of Montreal is a thought-provoking and poignant film that tackles complex themes of faith, religion, and art. It encourages viewers to think critically about the role of religion in society and the power of creativity and self-expression.
Jesus of Montreal (1989) directed by Denys Arcand • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
It also won the Golden Reel Award as the highest-grossing Canadian film of the year and received nominations for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards and Golden Globes. Retrieved 4 August 2016. He is contracted by a priest to update a version of the passion play that the priest had written 20 years ago. A group of Canadian men and women perform a passion play in a Montreal park only to have the authorities demand that it stop. They have come to believe in their play, to be shaped by the roles they play. He said this was because, although church members asked to see the screenplay, they could not read French and needed money from the rental.
Jesus of Montreal (1989)
When Daniel begins to search for the actors that are going to be in his play, similar to Jesus calling his disciples. In one, an actress from the troupe appears at an audition for a TV commercial and is asked to take off her clothes - not because nudity is required in the commercial, but more because the casting director wants to exercise his power. Arcand cranks up the sound so high, we almost feel relieved when the rope snaps his neck. . The actors who rewrite the Passion in "Jesus of Montreal" create a play that is good theater and perhaps even good theology, but it is not good public relations. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
Religion. "Jesus of Montreal" Film by Denys Arcand
Just like Jesus disciples, Daniel fellow actors were too; for example, the Guy that worked including porn film, the lady that was having sex with priest, the woman that allowed her body to be exploited for commercial purpose, and the other guy that did not have enough faith to get the jobs that he wanted, but rather doing documentary type reading. I'm sure there's more to say, but I think I will need time to process and I don't want to bore you with a theological discussion. London and New York: Routledge. The spirit of Jesus himself seems to have entered his body, and he only half consciously begins to act out the journey Jesus took in the Gospels in secular, capitalist Montreal. University of Chicago Press.
Jésus de Montréal (Jesus of Montreal)
Arriving late at the audition, Daniel, the Christ figure, shouts out to his friend to leave her clothes on. Toronto, Buffalo and London: University of Toronto Press. If you go to the movie, pay close attention to Bluteau in the title role. Daniel is no longer merely an actor. The Silents of Jesus in the Cinema 1897—1927. A lovely film filled with rich symbolism. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
Jesus Of Montreal movie review (1990)
Jesus of Montr é al is about a yearning for something else, a search for a sort of meaning. Like Judas, therefore, he betrays the Christ, arranges for the Passion on the Mount to be shut down. Although the play turns out to be a hit, it's shut down by the church for being too controversial, and in the eyes of the church, blasphemous. Retrieved 5 August 2016. When a smooth, corporate lawyer tries to tempt him with money and power in the mainstream media, we see Satan in the wilderness.
Daniel rails against crass corporate culture like Christ among the money-changers, cultivates a sublime asceticism and ultimately transforms the material world through his struggle and suffering. Toronto, Buffalo and London: University of Toronto Press. Retrieved 7 August 2016. We want to see the Passion on the Mount again as badly as Daniel and his actors want to put it on again. George Melnyk, One Hundred Years of Canadian Cinema University of Toronto Press, 2004. Some things about this movie are wonderful, and some, as indicated above are quite questionable. In the National Interest: A Chronicle of the National Film Board of Canada from 1949 to 1989.
