Certainly the most enjoyable "traditional" take on the life of Christ, Samuel Bronston and Nicholas Ray's magnificent "King of Kings" is simply incredible. While most films about Christ tend to get bogged down in directorial self-indulgence ("The Greatest Story Ever Told," "The Passion of the Christ") or simply aren't entertaining, this is a welcome change of pace: it is completely respectful to its central character while maintaining the ability to enthrall an audience of non-churchgoers like myself. While deeply true to its Biblical source (which many of us non-churchgoers are, surprise surprise, well acquainted with), it can be admired as cinema, too. The Spanish locations prove a great substitute for the Middle East (though I will always love "Jesus Christ Superstar" for its beautiful geographic authenticity). Jeffrey Hunter does not try to be particularly impressive as Christ, which has always been the key trap for any actor taking on the role. He lets the words guide him, and the effect is one of awe rather than timidity. Many of the actors' voices are dubbed by different actors, and Hunter re-dubbed his own lines, which can feel a bit jarring, but does not detract from the illusion. The real stars of the film are: foremost, Miklos Rozsa's wondrous score, fairly underrated, completely ignored by the Academy, but now rightly acknowledged for the masterpiece it is; and the cinematography, supervised by the combined talents of Milton Krasner, Franz F. Planer, and Manuel Berenguer. Deep focus is used exceptionally well in many scenes, the lighting is incredible, and there are a handful of shots that are really quite innovative. There isn't an ugly frame anywhere in the 171 minutes of film, making it without a doubt one of the most beautifully photographed films of all time. Also, writer Philip Yordan is to be commended for fleshing out the story to include the historical and political situation in Judea at the time, fleshing out the characters of Judas and Barabbas (making them more than mere plot points, another danger of films about Christ), and depicting the family life of Herod, Herodias, and evil little Salome. One of the best Roman epics ever filmed, and, again, the best Christian film of all time. The real "Greatest story ever told."
Review of King of Kings
