Jesus of Montreal - Last week we got together to watch and discuss this controversial film from the late 80’s. No matter what you think of the films theology, the film enfolds a moving tale of an actor ( daniel ) seeking to live as Christ did. It begins when he tackles what he says is the ultimate challenge, playing Jesus in an experimental theatrical performance of the passion. Daniel and his friends rediscover themselves in the process in a way that is familiar to people I know when they’ve begun to follow Jesus. They drop everything to ‘follow’ Daniel and do drama they can believe in, they find liberation, authenticity and community. While everyone else seem shonky, shaky or shallow, Daniel is free from all that and shines as secure, authentic and balanced. This incredible experience of personal discovery is a beautiful reminder of the power of the gospel. However on its own it falls way short of the whole gospel message. Unlike daniel, Christ didn’t find himself through selfless generosity. Watching this movie you could completely miss the point of why Jesus died and miss the unfolding plan of God that Jesus talks about and which he invites us into. But that aside, scene by scene Daniel’s journey is powerful because it confronts our tendency for unquestioning conformity. Daniel confronts hypocritical conservatism in the local catholic church and he explodes in rage when women actresses are treated as sexual objects at an audition for a television commercial. Who defines good? The film reminds me of the well groomed, well-to-do man in the bible who politely addresses Jesus: “good teacher…”. Jesus responds: Why do you call me ‘good’? (Luke 18:18-30). Jesus point is to confront blind self-righteousness. Jesus says only God is good, he then challenges him to dispense with his riches and causes everyone listening to question if its possible for anyone to be good enough. The film is confronting in a similar way. May be Jesus doesn’t approve of everything we’ve been conditioned to accept.
