Python film to challenge Passion

BBC News ^ | 03/24/04

[presidio9]

Monty Python's film The Life of Brian is to return to US cinemas next month following the success of The Passion of the Christ. The Biblical satire will be re-released in Los Angeles, New York and other US cities to mark its 25th anniversary.

Adverts will challenge Mel Gibson's blockbuster with the lines "Mel or Monty?", "The Passion or the Python?"

Distributor Rainbow said it hoped the film would "serve as an antidote to all the hysteria about Mel's movie".

The Life of Brian follows a Jewish character from Nazareth who is worshipped as the Messiah then crucified by Romans.

It was condemned as blasphemous before its original release, although Monty Python said it was intended as a spoof on Bible films and intolerance rather than Christianity.

The film could not be completed until former Beatle George Harrison stepped in to finance it after EMI Films withdrew, fearing it was too controversial.

Rainbow president Henry Jaglom said: "We decided this is an important time to re-release this film, to provide some counter-programming to The Passion."

He said the surviving members of the Monty Python comedy team "all agreed this was a good time" to bring back the film and would help promote it.

Mr Jaglom, whose partner John Goldstone produced the original film, said trailers for the comedy would start to appear in cinemas on Good Friday.

[presidio9]

I agree with the sentiment that this film is nothing more than a goofy spoof of religous films. There is no maliciousness. I have seen it many times. I particularly enjoyed when Brian is visited by the three Magi. Brian's mother has no idea what "myrrh" is and says this to them when they are leaving:

"Er, well, um, if you're dropping by again, do pop in. Heh. And thanks a lot for the gold and frankincense, er, but don't worry too much about the myrrh next time. All right? Heh. Thank you. Good-bye."

[CzarNicky]

Always look on the bright side of life.

[Rodney King]

I think it's a great movie, but this article makes it seem like the re-release does have malicious intent. It states that they are releasing it to provide "counter programming".

[Arkinsaw]

Originally it was a spoof of a number of things not including Christ. But they are releasing it here specifically as some sort of "antidote" to The Passion of the Christ. Therefore, this time, I won't be paying to go see this one.

[lasereye]

Distributor Rainbow said it hoped the film would "serve as an antidote to all the hysteria about Mel's movie".

What hysteria about the movie? The people calling it anti-semitic, intolerant etc.?

[Bacon Man]

Always look on the bright side of life.

Damn! Beat me to it!

[per loin]

The Passion of the Christ:
Total as of Mar. 22, 2004: $297,280,146
+ Overseas Gross: $32.3 million / 19 countries

The Life of Brian:
Total Gross: $19,398,164

[zook]

"Who was making fun of my friend, Bigus Dickus?"

[My2Cents]

I have no problem with a re-release of "Brian," but to promote it as an "alternative" to Gibson's film is more than a bit tacky.

[eastsider]

Monty Python said it was intended as a spoof on Bible films and intolerance rather than Christianity.... Mr Jaglom, whose partner John Goldstone produced the original film, said trailers for the comedy would start to appear in cinemas on Good Friday.

If it's just a spoof on Bible films and intolerance, then why the Good Friday trailer release?

[RepoGirl]

He's got a wife, you know...

[LS]

"Follow the gourd! Follow the gourd."

[presidio9]

[A line of prisoners files past a jailer.]
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Stan: Yes.
Coordinator: Good. Out of the door, line on the left, one cross each.
[Next prisoner.]
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Stan: Er, no, freedom actually.
Coordinator: What?
Stan: Yeah, they said I hadn't done anything and I could go and live on an island somewhere.
Coordinator: Oh I say, that's very nice. Well, off you go then.
Stan: No, I'm just pulling your leg, it's crucifixion really.
Coordinator: [laughing] Oh yes, very good. Well...
Stan: Yes I know, out of the door, one cross each, line on the left.

[Bacon Man]

"Who was making fun of my friend, Bigus Dickus?"

He has a wife you know. Incontinentia. Incontinentia Buttocks.

[Bacon Man]

Life of Brian ping!

[zook]

Then who was Flatus Prolongus?

[RichInOC]

This just in...Graham Chapman is still dead.

[Bacon Man]

Then who was Flatus Prolongus?

I don't remember that one. I'll have to watch it again.

[thoughtomator]

It's just marketing... it IS an "alternative", so to speak, and if that gets people to pay at the box office, then so be it. Both Mel Gibson and Monty Python are head and shoulders above the general entertainment industry fare.