For Brain And The Shock That Follows

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Shocking Cinema - Life of Brian

The representation of religion in film has been an uncertain one, with the most controversial and peculiar messages displayed on screen since the dawn of cinema. Film has been a medium that has defined religion to many, for better and worse. Cultural presentations are often presented with a biased perception, where the audience allow producers to battered their heads with argumentative plots and persuasive morals. Cultural conflict is at the heart of most religious films, with narratives that explain (in most cases) the difficulties and torment that religious commitment brings.

Life of Brian is one to be remembered as the circus show of religious presentation. Made in 1979, by comedy production team Monty Python, audiences around the world have been forever presented with one of the most successful comedy pieces to exist in film history (as stated on numerous occasions by the likes of Total Film magazine, Channel 4, The Guardian and Rotten Tomatoes); winning the “Best comedy movie of all time” award, as voted by the participants in a poll conduction in 2006, by UK’s television network Channel 4.

Life of Brian unravels the tale of young Brian Cohen (performed by Graham Chapman; one of the 6 members of the Monty Python crew), a male Jewish who is brought up in the same age and destination of Jesus Christ’s, who is mistakenly accused by others to be the Messiah. The film follows the journey that he protagonist must take, as religious followers grow in numbers after him, disillusioned to the belief that Brian is the one. Audiences endure his agonising yet unbearably funny life up until his end, as numerous gags from the Monty Python team throw every religious mock they can think of. It is a film that to many has been a monumental laugh, but for the rest has been a disgraceful blow to the Christian society; with members of all religions brought to attention also.

The film’s extreme blasphemy (as perceived by religious protesters) caused great upset since its initial debut. Banned by numerous town councils in the UK, and discriminated by the vast majority of Christian groups, Life of Brian was a movie that shocked the world into tears of laughter and pain. Even in 2008 was it that Toblay council had approved of the film’s screening, which was thanks to a 1st place win in the English Riviera International Comedy Film Festival’s online poll.

What has caused such a colossal up rise in social conflict is the film’s presentation of organized religions and politically revolutionized groups, and their portrayal as ridiculously over rated and exaggerated forms of living with the masses. Its attention to freedom of speech resulted in never ending arguments between Catholic churches and The Pythons, with the government joining not soon after the beginning. One scene shows Brian’s enraged desperation to stop his followers in their tracks and convince them otherwise to live independently and not in the shadows of others. The Python’s presented the world with a light-hearted, but still argumentative depiction on the construction and deliverance of religious awareness:

(As extracted from Wikipedia’s quotation of Life of Brian)

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!

Viewers of the film have taken note of its vigorous cheap-shot sketches, with performers (mainly of Monty Python) humorously emphasizing religion’s demands and control of followers, and its seemingly hypnotic charm to making forever growing theories out of the most logical of scenarios.

To me, the film is of fair shock, but with mixed opinions. For some of the time I become very biased against Monty Python and the undeniably childish micky-take of such long existing and highly respected authorities, but I can not help to reassure myself with the words that are “ its just a film”, one which some have unexpectedly and understandably taken great offence to; whether that is unfortunate or not. Many could throw rage at Monty Python, but I am one to say that it is down to the audience whether a film is good or bad, and it is the viewer who has taken that chance- that risk, to go into a dark room for an hour or two and let what ever the screen plays hit them. If it were to have been released at a more modern date, then my thoughts would be fairly neutral and I would have no bother in placing an argument (even if I were to be on neither side), but with knowledge of the historical context and social relations at the time of Life of Brian’s release makes a much more distinctive impression on me. It’s obsessively executed remarks and seemingly witty accusations make it a viewing of mixed emotions, as I laugh at Brian’s innocent rage whilst I turn my back on The Pythons’ arrogance that is at the heart of the political tension that the film expectedly gave attention to. Undoubtedly a fascinating view and experience.

WATCH IT YOU SLAGS.