This meme celebrates an awesome adaptation related to a weekly category. Any format of adaptation (television series, film, web series, etc.) is acceptable as long as it is based in some form on a book. Awesome Adaptations was created by Alisa Selene at PictureMeReading.
An Awesome 1970s Adaptation (in honor of Alisa's Birthday)
Title: Life of Brian
Loosely Adapted from: The Bible
Loosely Adapted from: The Bible
Well, it's probably iffy to call this an adaptation, but there are a few elements from the Bible that make it into this film so... I'll allow it. Although this film does not depict the life of Jesus, but of Brian, whose life parallels Jesus so he gets mistaken for the Messiah - because people get confused easily. This film is much more of a subversion on aspects of the Bible, a commentary on religion, and as always with Python, an examination of human nature and fallibility. And it's just silly!
I really think this film does a good job of understanding humanity's approach to religion. There's so many different interpretations (and misinterpretations) of the Bible, that the confusion and frustration experienced by Brian in the film echoes what many people feel about organized religion. And to make that frustration funny and entertaining is just part of the unique genius of the Pythons. I just love how they can turn something quite dark and disturbing (crucifixions for instance) into the backdrop of a hilarious situation by focusing, not on the reality of the situation, but on ideals that seem unimportant in the scenario, but ultimately are very important.
I feel like this post is leaning towards the serious side even though Life of Brian is at it's heart a fantastic comedy. There are so many funny moments, but I think my favorite is pretty much anything with Pontius Pilate's lisp. This is my favorite Python film by the way. Of course I love Holy Grail, but I think this one is more cohesive, more clever, and just generally flows better. And it's thought provoking while also being so funny. If you've seen Holy Grail, but never seen this film, you should definitely check it out!
I really think this film does a good job of understanding humanity's approach to religion. There's so many different interpretations (and misinterpretations) of the Bible, that the confusion and frustration experienced by Brian in the film echoes what many people feel about organized religion. And to make that frustration funny and entertaining is just part of the unique genius of the Pythons. I just love how they can turn something quite dark and disturbing (crucifixions for instance) into the backdrop of a hilarious situation by focusing, not on the reality of the situation, but on ideals that seem unimportant in the scenario, but ultimately are very important.
I feel like this post is leaning towards the serious side even though Life of Brian is at it's heart a fantastic comedy. There are so many funny moments, but I think my favorite is pretty much anything with Pontius Pilate's lisp. This is my favorite Python film by the way. Of course I love Holy Grail, but I think this one is more cohesive, more clever, and just generally flows better. And it's thought provoking while also being so funny. If you've seen Holy Grail, but never seen this film, you should definitely check it out!
Blessed are the cheesemakers!
ReplyDeleteOhh I love Monty Python =)
LOL! What's so special about the cheesemakers? I love them too - I feel like rewatching Life of Brian now! And Flying Circus!
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