Life of Brian (1979)

Introduction

Life of Brian (1979) is one of the most iconic films in the comedy genre, and it stands as a monumental achievement for the British comedy group Monty Python. Directed by and starring members of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Life of Brian is a satirical comedy that tackles religion, societal norms, and the absurdities of history with a blend of irreverence, intelligence, and absurdity. The film follows the life of Brian Cohen, a man who is born on the same day as Jesus Christ in a neighboring stable, and becomes mistakenly mistaken for the Messiah.

Not only a hilarious farce, Life of Brian is a brilliant social commentary that explores themes of identity, belief, and the human propensity for blind obedience. Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy it stirred at the time of its release, the film remains one of the most beloved and frequently cited works of comedy. Its razor-sharp wit, memorable quotes, and timeless themes ensure that it still resonates with audiences, even decades after its debut.

Plot Summary

The film begins with the birth of Brian Cohen (played by Graham Chapman), who is born in a stable next door to the birthplace of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. From the moment of his birth, Brian's life is entangled with that of Jesus. Throughout his life, Brian is constantly mistaken for the Messiah due to his proximity to Jesus, leading to a series of absurd and hilarious misunderstandings. Raised by his overbearing mother, Brian grows up to become a young man who, despite his best efforts, is drawn into the political turmoil of Roman-occupied Judea.

As Brian grows older, he becomes a member of the People’s Front of Judea, a revolutionary group seeking to overthrow Roman rule, led by the charismatic but often ridiculous Reg (John Cleese). His desire for a simple life is constantly thwarted as he becomes increasingly embroiled in political activism, mistaken messianic worship, and the absurdities of Roman rule. His encounters with various religious figures and zealots culminate in the mistaken belief that he is, in fact, the long-awaited Messiah, much to his frustration.

The plot unfolds with Brian attempting to navigate the chaos of his life, which is exacerbated by his followers, who fervently believe in him despite his repeated protests that he is not the Messiah. The film culminates in the famous crucifixion scene, where Brian, along with other condemned men, sings "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," offering an optimistic, if darkly comic, conclusion to his otherwise tragic fate.

Performance and Characters

The brilliance of Life of Brian is in no small part due to the performances of the Monty Python troupe, who play multiple roles, often with absurd costumes and exaggerated characters. The film's central performance is by Graham Chapman as Brian Cohen. Chapman, known for his work in the Python series and for his ability to portray characters caught in absurd situations, gives a masterful performance as Brian. He plays the role with a mixture of frustration, exasperation, and deadpan humor, as Brian is constantly pulled into situations that are beyond his control.

The supporting cast of Monty Python regulars also shine in various roles. John Cleese, in particular, stands out as Reg, the revolutionary leader of the People’s Front of Judea. Cleese’s ability to play pompous, self-righteous characters is put to good use here, as Reg is a character who is more concerned with his own ideas of revolution than actual results. His energetic performance provides a great contrast to Chapman’s more grounded portrayal of Brian, adding to the film’s dynamic.

Other Python members, including Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, also shine in various roles, each bringing their unique comedic style to the proceedings. John Cleese' portrayal of a sarcastic centurion and Terry Jones as Brian’s overbearing mother are especially memorable. The ensemble cast’s ability to play multiple characters with different accents, personalities, and levels of absurdity is one of the film's great strengths, creating a sense of the chaotic and unpredictable world in which Brian lives.

Direction and Cinematography

Directed by one of the core members of Monty Python, the brilliant and often madcap Terry Jones, Life of Brian is visually dynamic and carefully crafted despite its low-budget origins. Jones uses a straightforward style of direction, focusing on strong performances and sharp dialogue over elaborate special effects or set design. The film’s visual aesthetic is simple but effective—set primarily in biblical Judea, the film’s dusty, sun-bleached locations give the world a sense of authenticity while also contributing to the absurdity of the events taking place.

The cinematography, by Peter Biziou, captures the dusty landscapes and modest architecture of the time with a stark realism. This grounding in reality, combined with the absurd comedy of the characters and the situations, heightens the film’s satirical edge. Scenes that are deeply rooted in historical and religious iconography are juxtaposed with the irreverent humour of the Pythons, making the film a uniquely pointed critique of the very society it mimics.

The film’s pacing is brisk, keeping the energy high throughout, which allows the numerous running gags and slapstick comedy bits to build into more absurd and ridiculous heights. Jones also makes clever use of framing and comedic timing to maximise the humour of each scene, turning even the most mundane moments into opportunities for absurdity.

Themes and Social Commentary

At its heart, Life of Brian is a satirical exploration of religion, faith, and the human tendency to follow leaders without question. The film critiques the way people can be drawn to messianic figures or ideologies, and how society often elevates ordinary individuals to positions of godlike status based on little more than their proximity to myth or legend. Brian’s continual misunderstanding as the Messiah is both a commentary on how people project their hopes, desires, and beliefs onto others, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The film also takes aim at the absurdities of political movements and revolutionaries. The People’s Front of Judea, led by Reg, is a parody of the fractured, often self-defeating nature of political activism. The group's infighting, egos, and obsession with ideological purity make them more of an obstacle to progress than any tangible change. In many ways, Life of Brian satirises the notion of revolution itself, showing that it can often devolve into farce and misdirection rather than real change.

Moreover, the film tackles the issue of blind faith, not just in religion, but in any system of belief or authority. Whether it’s the messianic fervour surrounding Brian or the devotion to the illogical, yet deeply held, belief systems, the film highlights the dangers of unquestioning loyalty and the absurdity that often accompanies such devotion.

Perhaps most strikingly, Life of Brian offers a sharp critique of organised religion's tendency to create elaborate rituals, iconography, and dogma around simple teachings. The humour comes from the absurdity of the situation—the idea that Brian, who is just an ordinary man, becomes an unwitting messiah simply because of a misunderstanding, offers a pointed critique of the construction of religious meaning and significance.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Life of Brian was initially met with controversy upon release due to its perceived irreverence toward religion. Many religious groups, particularly Christians, protested the film, calling it blasphemous. Despite the backlash, the film received widespread critical acclaim and went on to become a box office success. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation as one of the greatest comedies ever made, known for its sharp satire and fearless tackling of sensitive topics.

The film’s impact on comedy and culture has been profound. The famous song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” written by Eric Idle, has become one of the most iconic and enduring tunes in film history. The film’s blend of wit, slapstick, and intelligent satire has influenced countless comedy films and television shows that came after it, particularly in terms of how to balance absurdity with deeper thematic content.

Its legacy is particularly important in terms of its portrayal of religious and societal critique. In an era of increasingly polarised ideological and religious beliefs, Life of Brian remains a timeless example of how comedy can shine a light on the contradictions and hypocrisies of the world we live in, all while making us laugh uncontrollably.

Final Verdict

Life of Brian is a brilliant, timeless comedy that showcases the genius of Monty Python. With its sharp writing, outstanding performances, and bold social commentary, the film stands as a masterwork in the genre. It remains one of the most important and influential comedies of all time, offering both irreverent humour and a biting critique of religion, politics, and human nature. It is both laugh-out-loud funny and thought-provoking, making it a rare example of comedy that entertains while also challenging its audience to think critically.

Whether you’re a fan of Monty Python or just looking for a clever, absurd comedy, Life of Brian is a must-see film that continues to stand the test of time.