We were speaking on Monday of different depictions of Jesus' baptism and Zefferelli's version from Jesus of Nazareth came up.
Thank goodness for Youtube! Here is the link. (It won't let me embed.)
You'll notice that they use Matthew's words, This is my Beloved Son...., but put the words in John the Baptist's mouth.
If you've not seen this film (all six hours of it), you can rent it, or evidently watch it in pieces on Youtube. As you watch, take note that Zefferelli, like most makers of biopics about Jesus, mushes together accounts from the gospels. Also, as in this case, there are often enough interpretations put into the film that you won't find in the text.
Funny how we always picture things based off of movies we grew up with. I remember the Zefferelli movie on TV during the various holiday seasons, but I can't help but always picture the Apostles as the rock-n-rollers that they were in Jesus Christ Superstar. It's all about what we watched at a young age I suppose (though perhaps it's because I STILL watch JCS as often as possible! haha)
ReplyDeleteYes, and if I remember correctly, there is a lot of nudity in the JCS version of the baptism. Which on the one hand, is probably closer to reality. (Christian baptisms were in the nude for centuries.) But, you can't show that clip for most kid or church audiences.
ReplyDeleteSuperstar only covers the final days of Jesus' life, concluding with the crucifixion (though interesting to see how various directors include the resurrection in the stage show).
ReplyDeleteHaving mentioned the baptism filmed with nudity though, I can vivdly remember that scene now and can't for the life of me remember the movie title. Hopefully it hits me before tonight's group.
See you then,
Brian
You're right, of course. What movie WAS that? Same era. Lots of singing. Not Godspell, I don't think. But, maybe.
ReplyDelete