Jesus of Montreal Review:


Official Synopsis

Daniel (Lothaire Bluteau), a young actor in Montreal is asked by Catholic priest, Father LeClerc (Gilles Pelletier) to update a version of a passion play that the pastor has staged in the famous Montreal basilica for more than 40 years. Although the piece is a classic, in recent years attendance numbers have dropped, and Father LeClerc hopes that Daniel can bring something new to the play, and increase audience size. Daniel recruits a younger more inventive cast and the show becomes a huge success, despite the lack of approval from his employer. Meanwhile, gradually and inevitably, the actors find that the life of Christ has an extraordinary impact on their real-life existence.

Critique

A movie released at the end of 80s and one that should be revisited today especially with the forthcoming Mel Gibson film The Passion expected to throw up a few talking points being a more literal look at the last few days of the life of Jesus. But in this film it is less about the man himself, as it points out what facts can we truly know about his life, and more about how people stick to their guns in the face of adversity. In this case it lies in the faith of actors to produce a pure piece of art and not cave to criticism or sell-out to the almighty dollar. Like Jesus died for his personal beliefs so must Daniel and in the consumer hungry modern world it is no less difficult. Railing against capitalism and exploitative advertising Daniel’s life begins to parallel that of Jesus so he bucks the trend of ancient constitutions such as the church, avoids the Devil’s temptations in the form of a lawyers juicy contract and begins to give meaning to the fellow actors who at last get to fulfil their dreams of doing something honest rather than the paycheck.

Director Arcand masterfully puts the story together in slow, deliberate moves and in some ways it’s nothing we haven’t seen before but the understated actors seem more on the level, not forcing beliefs on you but merely presenting ideas. Our existing knowledge of Jesus means nothing has to be particularly reinforced so when showing scenes from the play that the actors produce it is more about the audience’s reaction as they are lead round the various locations like a theme park ride. Even Bluteau can almost drift through the proceedings, holding things together in the background, leading people through the journey almost without words. This may all sound terribly heavy going but this really makes up the mid-section of the film and Arcand dutifully throws in scenes of humour and fleshes out his supporting players so you feel part of their pioneering group. The opening act sees Daniel rounding up his troops for his production and like in heist movies such as Ocean’s 11 they are all off doing their own thing, dubbing over porno movies, reluctantly succumbing to flashy ads but are all united for the ‘last big score’. It is Daniel’s ‘disciples’ who give humanity to the film while he is involved with his own personnel quest they realise what it is to make good work and there are not so subtle digs at Hollywood and popular New York method acting in one hilarious scene.

Adaptation recently depicted an artist’s struggle to come up with something truly original and thought provoking and here Arcand succeeds in doing the same thing. He also briefly examines the history of man’s place in the universe and follows Kaufman’s adage of not submitting to the system of predictability and money. Jesus of Montreal is a life affirming look at the problems with staying true to our own ideals and points out that all it needs is a little strength and courage to stick to them. People will listen.

8 out of 10

The Video

Claims to be 16:9 anamorphic widescreen on the box but in actuality the movie plays in rather dreary looking full screen. The picture is often grainy and unexciting but I urge you to look past it's technical short comings to appreciate the movie itself.

Not one for technical DVD buffs.

5 out of 10

The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stero is adequate for a movie of this nature but don't expect it to blow your socks off. The score is good despite some jarring 80s electric guitar licks.

6 out of 10

The Extras

None

0 out of 10

Movie 8
Video 5
Audio 6
Extras 0

OVERALL (not an average) 7

Rich Badley

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