Jesus on Film: The Biblical Epics

Although it might seem sacrilegious to some, the figure of Jesus Christ has actually been quite prominent in cinema since the Silent Era. In particular the era from the 1950s to the present has seen the production of some of the most emotionally, physically, and mentally powerful images of Christ and the life he led.

"The Passion of the Christ"

Certainly one of the most powerful and visceral of the representations of Jesus was Mel Gibson's evocative vision of the last days of Christ and his ministry, including and especially his death on the cross. The film actually veers into the realm of the disturbing as it shows the horrific physical suffering the man endured as he was preparing for his final death. Through its unflinching depiction of violence and torture, the movie asks us to think about the actual physical feelings Jesus experienced in his final hours on earth.

"The Greatest Story Ever Told"

Featuring a cast of some of the most prominent actors of the time, this 1965 film followed the life of Jesus from his birth to his death, staying fairly faithful to the gospel accounts while also taking account of the traditions of epic filmmaking. What really sets this film apart is main actor Max von Sydow, who brings to the figure of Jesus a solemn yet powerful emotional presence that brings the deep spiritual energy of Jesus to life. Combined with the other strong members of the cast, including Claude Rains and Charlton Heston, this story really draws the audience in while also conveying the epic power of the subject matter.

"King of Kings"

Finally, we come to "King of Kings," which attempts to portray Jesus's life in the context of the political turmoil that engulfed his homeland during the early years of the Roman Empire. Of course, all of the requisite biblical incidents are here, including the provocative Salome and her seduction of Herod. The film actually goes to great efforts to show Jesus's face, something that does not always occur in movies depicting this central religious figure.

We can see the figure of Jesus has continued to be a strong presence in cinema. This is hardly surprising considering the fact that he has had an enormous influence on numerous religions, so it is only natural he should find a home in film as well. Although these films all have their differences in terms of approach, they all attempt to maintain the power and the majesty Jesus embodies for so many Christians while also allowing us to see him as a human being.

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