A movie about ourselves

"Life of Brian" is probably the greatest comedy ever made. (With the Python-related serial "Fawlty Towers" a good second.) It makes excellent fun out of religious and political fanaticism, not to mention sheer stupidity. The negative reactions to the movie from certain quarters somehow prove its point!

Inevitably, most people react and comment on the portrayal of Jesus and his involuntary doppelgänger, Brian. Personally, I always thought other parts of the movie were more humorous. For instance, it criticizes the small and constantly squabbling "Marxist" groups that still existed in Britain and elsewhere during this time. That the Judean People's Front (or was it the People's Front of Judea?) turns out to be more interested in talking about revolution rather than in actually making one, is also right on target. Note also that the "Judean" groups lampoon the name of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine!

But perhaps I like that part of the show because I happen to know a few things about the "far left" in Western Europe?

But what about Jesus, then? Apparently, the Pythons had some disagreements among themselves on whether or not "The Life of Brian" is a deliberate attack on Jesus and Christianity. Regardless of what the "real" point of this movie might be, it's interesting to note that they couldn't attack Jesus directly. I don't think that's a co-incidence. You can insult or make fun of those who believe in the message of Christianity, but how do you wax ironic over the character of Jesus himself? Say, the Jesus of the Gospel of John? I don't see how *that's* possible. What makes "Life of Brian" so entertaining is precisely the contrast between the real Jesus and the perennial loser Brian. The same is true of the fact that the thick-headed people of Judea constantly confuse the real Son of God with his obviously incompetent double. That people follow the wrong leader, or misunderstand the words of great prophets and philosophers, is hardly news. Ironically, it's almost a Biblical theme. In fact, if you absolutely want to criticize this movie for something, it would have to be its unkind portrayal of the common people. Taken at face value, "Life of Brian" says that Jesus was a sublime teacher, while you and me are stupid for following the *other* guy!

Never thought of that before, have you? :D

Whatever else Monty Python might have wanted to say with "Life of Brian", they certainly made a classical parody of fanaticism, factionalism, abstract intellectuals, crazy terrorists, and thick-headed people in general. And yes, Roman crucifixions. TWELVE STARS.