Jesus of Montreal - Denys Arcand

I believe I first saw "Jesus of Montreal" in the theatre back in 1989 when it was released. Directed by Canadian director Denys Arcand, the film tells the story of Daniel, an unknown actor, being hired to revamp and direct a Passion Play. He gathers a small group of folx and totally revamps the script. Since they are performing this at a Roman Catholic shrine, this causes some problems with the Church - however it creates a sensation with the public.

Now, that is about all I really knew about the story before seeing the film. Throughout the film there are so many connections to the Biblical story of Jesus that even though I have seen this film numerous times - I was still finding connections this last viewing. That is a testimony to the writing skill of Denys Arcand. For example, as Daniel starts gathering his troupe of five, he almost literally walks up to folx and says "come with me"....like Jesus gathering his disciples. Little connections that not only link the story more closely to the Biblical version, but also give the character of Daniel even more of a connection to Jesus. This is important for various reasons that will come to play when you watch the film.

The film was shot in Montreal, and is mostly in French. The shrine that they perform at is based on Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal. The cast is very good - Lothaire Bluteau as Daniel, and a rare film performance by internationally acclaimed director Robert LePage. You may know his name because he directed Wagner's Ring Cycle at the Met Opera most recently, as well as Cirque du Soleil's Totem.

There are many things I appreciate about this film. Towards the top of the film there is a scene (which might be based on a stage production of the Brothers Karamazov) in which an actor hangs himself on stage...which technically is very difficult to do live. Obviously with film you can fake it, but being a theatre person myself I watch and try to figure out how he does it, how does he hook the body harness up while also creating a noose, etc. Very intriguing. There are some great theatrical moments during the Passion itself - to the extent that I was inspired to start work on my own version of the Passion. I did, in fact, help write and performed in two different Passion Plays for two different churches. Both were very good in their way but still not what I had in mind. But that is neither here nor there. The other thing I really love about this film is the opening/ending music. It starts and ends with two female singers performing part of Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. It is stunningly gorgeous...like much of the film. Take a watch and let me know what you think.