He’s Not The Messiah - He’s A Very Naughty Boy
Many people will recognise the above title as a line from Monty Python’s “Life of Brian“. Well, that is most people except those in the Welsh town of Aberystwyth where the film has been banned from viewing since its release, 29 years ago. The current Mayor, Sue Jones-Davies, starred in the movie as Brians girlfriend and now wants the ban lifed.
However, she might have to fight through some angry Christians to do it. Local reverend Stuart Bell says that attitudes amongst Christians have not changed (well when have they ever).
The film at its root is poking fun at Christ and we don’t want that to happen. I don’t think that the film should be shown. Why should the ban be removed?
Why? I’ll tell you why. It’s hilarious, has a great plot, and appeals to all ages. 30 years ago it was a breakthrough for freedom of speech and expression, making an obvious challenge to the countries blasphemy laws. It also outlined the irrational sheep-like followers of religion:
Brian: Look, you’ve got it all wrong! You don’t need to follow me, you don’t need to follow anybody! You’ve got to think for yourselves! You’re all individuals!
The Crowd (in unison): Yes! We’re all individuals!
Brian: You’re all different!
The Crowd (in unison): Yes, we are all different!
Man in Crowd: I’m not…
The Crowd: Shhh!
Of course Mr Bell has good reason to oppose the film, having only seen “a small clip, that’s all“. I doubt very much he saw the sermon on the mount part, or that he knows that Brian repeatedly tries to shake off the attention. No, Mr Bell just assumes the entire movie is about mocking Jesus.
Un-ban the movie, and make a whole new generation laugh.
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Splitter!
Oliver
31 Jul 08 at 5:43 am (GMT)
hey! Always look on the bright side of life!
Freelance Guru
31 Jul 08 at 7:06 am (GMT)
I enjoyed it, but I enjoyed “Quest for the Holy Grail” and “Meaning of Life” more… If I had to pick I think “Holy Grail” was their best. Just that beginning of the mist and the hooves clopping catches everyone who sees it the first time… then the swallow bit etc etc
fabrulana
31 Jul 08 at 8:56 am (GMT)
Yeah, ok Adrian, but for you to say
it seems that you deny that the entire movie is about mocking Jesus. For nothing’s sake, of course it is! And it is brilliant at it! And the priest that censors it only gets a very bad, bad attention by doing so.
Burn, baby burn!
Luis Dias
31 Jul 08 at 11:01 am (GMT)
Luis,
I don’t think the movie was entirely about mocking Jesus, but more about mocking religion. Jesus was portrayed in a good light in the movie, all that was mocked was the blind faith of the followers, alluding to the theory that Jesus wasn’t anyone special, just a guy with unorthodox ideas.
Adrian Hayter
31 Jul 08 at 2:03 pm (GMT)
Well, yeah. Unless that is, if Jesus happens to be God, then it becomes a joke on him. Considering that billions on this planet believe in that, they won’t think that this portrays him “in a good light” at all.
I understand the priest. But I also pity him.
Luis Dias
31 Jul 08 at 11:53 pm (GMT)