Passionless dialogue [Steer clear of ABC's embarrassing, cliche-surfeited 'Judas']

WORLD ^ | 3/6/04 | Andrew Coffin

[karnage]

As a Freeper, I enjoy the slings and arrows of sarcasm as well as anybody. And once people have seen the film, I'll be happy to take my lumps. The film presents Jesus as fully divine - truly the Son of God - as well as lovingly human. We attempt to understand Judas in human terms - without ever excusing him for committing the greatest crime imaginable.

[karnage]

We made this film before any of us were aware that Mel Gibson was contemplating his PASSION in the original languages. One of the things I like about Tom Fontana's script is that it had dialogue which was conversational and accessible, without being too anachronistic. Yes, it's risky to take this approach. But my big problem with most Bible movies is that they come off as lifeless - Christmas pageants or Hallmark cards. I was hoping to infuse this version with some emotional immediacy, to try and reach a new audience.

[Liz]

You better take it up with the writer of the article posted here. We on FR didn't pre-judge you. But we can read.

[bray]

Does Jesus say, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me."? If not your movie is just more New Age, he is one of many ways; tripe. I cannot imagine ABC showing Christians as anything but bloodthirsty fools.

Pray for W and The Truth

[karnage]

My name is Charles Robert Carner. One of the things I liked about Tom Fontana's script is that it presented the dialogue in contemporary, accessible language, without being too anachronistic. I've always found most Bible films rather stilted. The idea was to try and give the story a sense of immediacy. I hope you will not be offended by the film when you see it.

[dangus]

Jesus Christ Superstar was very sympathetic to Judas; his character was precisely recycled as Che Guevera in Evita.

[dangus]

I'm a traditional Catholic. I think a sympathetic portrayal of Judas is a brilliant idea; after all he was one of Jesus' closest friends... his corruption and downfall must be classic fodder for a tragedy. I sincerely hope you're not blindsided by the criticism here. We need Christians in Hollywood.

I have to ask, though: That dialog from the Temple... how could you have Jesus say that? It asserts that Jesus believed he was wrong to drive away the money-changers as he did. In fact, if it were true, it would be Jesus committing a venial sin!

[karnage]

With a movie like this, we tried to anticipate questions and objections wherever possible - and we all missed this one - Father Frank, Tom and myself. If I had it to do over again, I would have changed that line of dialogue so that instead of saying, "I lost my temper," Jesus would have said something about his anger - however justifiable and righteous - not being the main thrust of his mission. Or something like that.

[karnage]

With a movie like this, we tried to anticipate questions and objections wherever possible - and we all missed this one - Father Frank, Tom and myself. If I had it to do over again, I would have changed that line of dialogue so that instead of saying, "I lost my temper," Jesus would have said something about his anger - however justifiable and righteous - not being the main thrust of his mission. Or something like that.

[NittanyLion]

So then any comments you make in support of it are a clear conflict of interest and must be dismissed as blatant self-interest.

And where does that leave the comments of folks criticizing the movie who haven't even seen it?

[NYCVirago]

I directed JUDAS. We shot the film in Morocco in the summer of 2001, and have been trying to get ABC to air it ever since. The controversy surrounding THE PASSION finally convinced the network to schedule JUDAS. The Executive Producer was Fr. Frank Desiderio, C.S.P. The script was written by multiple Emmy-winner Tom Fontana. Coincidentally, several technical personnel worked both on JUDAS and later on THE PASSION. We shot on many of the sets and locations used by Ridley Scott in GLADIATOR. I am a Catholic, and I take my faith seriously. I tried to humble myself before the Spirit and make a film that offers a new perspective on Judas while remaining faithful to the Gospels and the message and mission of Jesus.

I'll tell you what -- I wasn't going to watch this movie, but I will make a point of watching this, simply because you are a fellow freeper.

[karnage]

Hope you like it.