A film conceived, planned and made with love.

Maintaining the perfect balance between religious fervor and realism, JESUS OF NAZARETH is a unique new film depicting the life of Christ from His birth through His resurrection. Oscar nominee Franco Zeffirelli’s production is acclaimed exceptional for its thorough biblical and historical research and written in consultation with leading Anglican, Catholic and Jewish religious authorities. This most comprehensive and faithful film features a distinguished international cast and locations specially chosen for their pure and simple resemblance to Palestine at the time of Jesus. A dramatic and spiritual experience starring Robert Powell as Jesus, with Olivia Hussey as Mary. Music is composed and conducted by Oscar winner Maurice Jarre.


TRIVIA:

• The eye liner for Robert Powell consisted of a thin line of dark blue eyeliner on the upper lid of the eye and a thin line of white eyeliner on the lower lid. This had the effect of highlighting the piercing blue of Powell’s eyes, thereby giving him a penetrating stare, when combined with very little blinking, made the character appear surreal and supernatural.

• Banned in Egypt after religious leaders objected to its content.

• Peter O’Toole was cast as Judas, but had to back out of the project due to illness.

• Franco Zeffirelli considered Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino for the part of Jesus and Robert Powell to play Judas.

• Greek actor Yorgo Voyagis, who plays Joseph (Mary’s husband), can be seen speaking English, but his voice is dubbed by an uncredited actor. Franco Zeffirelli used this same technique for a handful of his actors in his 1968 film adaptation of ROMEO AND JULIET.

• Maria Schneider was originally offered the role of the Virgin Mary but declined and later regretted her decision.

• Unlike other films depicting the life of Christ, Robert Powell’s portrayal here, starting from his dialogue ”Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees” till the dialogue ”For i and my Father are one and the same” is very close to the personality and character of Christ in the New Testament.

• The miniseries cast includes seven Oscar winners: Christopher Plummer (subsequent win), Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Anne Bancroft, Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger, Ernest Borgnine; and six Oscar nominees: James Mason, Ian Holm (subsequent nomination), Ian Bannen, James Earl Jones, Valentina Cortese and Ralph Richardson.

• Zeffirelli wanted Marcelo Mastroianni for the role of Pontius Pilate, but they couldn’t agree on financial terms. Zeffirelli was happy in the end as he felt Rod Steiger was a ”magnificent Pilate”.

• Because Robert Powell looked so much like Jesus in paintings, every time he emerged from his dressing room in costume, the foul language the film crew was using suddenly stopped.

• This was Francis De Wolff’s final television appearance before his death on April 18, 1984, at the age of 71.

• The idea to cast Robert Powell originated with Sir Lew Grade’s wife, Kathie Moody, who told her husband the actor had ’wonderful blue eyes’ after seeing his performance in JUDE THE OBSCURE.

• Lorenzo Monet, who plays Jesus as a pre-teen, is dubbed.

• Norman Bowler, Fernando Rey and Ian Bannen are among those who are dubbed.

• Elizabeth Taylor was interested in playing Mary Magdalene.

• Ian McShane was originally offered the role of Joseph of Arimathea. He turned it down, holding out for Judas.

• Peter Ustinov has 25 lines in the final film.

• Robert Powell came under severe criticism from religious groups for ’living in sin’ with his companion, dancer Barbara Lord of PAN’S PEOPLE, while intending to portray Jesus. The couple married shortly before production began.

• Tom Courtney was offered the role of Jesus.

• Celia Johnson was originally considered for the role of Herodias.

1977

M

5060033271674

TV

1.33:1

391

Australia

MPEG-4 AVC

1080p

1.33:1

50 GB (Blu)

4

4

Slip Sleeve

2018-02-07 21:45:15