How ironic that the best movie version of the life of Christ should be made by a communist and homosexual, several of whose other works were considered obscene by many (for instance, the notorious "Salo or the 120 Days of Sodom.") Pasolini was an avowed atheist, but clearly the Christian faith had some meaning for him, or he could not have made such a moving and beautiful film. The black and white photography, the use of non-professional actors, and the avoidance of additional dialogue not found in the Scriptures, all add up to the most authentic Biblical movie ever. It's a shame that the controversy over Pasolini's later, more extreme works has overshadowed this wonderful movie. The poverty-stricken peasants of Calabria, in southern Italy, form the perfect counterparts for the poverty-stricken peasants of first century Galilee; and Enrique Irazoqui, who was half Basque, half Jewish, is the most convincing screen Jesus ever. Tonino delle Colle's photography makes each scene look like a picture from my grandmother's old Bible, and for once we have a Jesus who doesn't look like Kurt Cobain. The music is exquisite, ranging from Bach and Mozart to blues and gospel. One warning: do not buy the DVD from Waterbearer films. I had two copies and both of them got stuck at the moment of Christ's triumphant entry to Jerusalem, making the disc unplayable. If at all possible get this movie from a different source. Do not waste your money on Waterbearer Films. The Brentwood version is much better, even though it's dubbed in English,
Review of The Gospel According to St. Matthew
