Making a film about a real person is always a challenge. When that person is believed to be the Son of God, the stakes are even higher. The 1977 film, Jesus of Nazareth, tackled this challenge head-on, becoming a beloved and frequently aired depiction of Christ’s life. Here are some fascinating, somewhat trivial, facts about this iconic movie!
1. Jesus Wore Makeup
Robert Powell, chosen for his mesmerizing blue eyes, had his eyes accentuated with makeup. A thin line of dark blue eyeliner was applied to his upper eyelids and white eyeliner to the lower lid. It gave him a penetrating stare befitting the Messiah.
2. The Unblinking Messiah
Director Franco Zeffirelli wanted Jesus to have a ‘visual mystique.’ To achieve this, he asked Robert Powell not to blink during his portrayal. Powell only blinked twice as a child, and none as an adult (except once when his lifeless body was cradled in Virgin Mary’s arms).
3. Jesus as a Borgia
Why the traditional depiction of Jesus as a Caucasian man with long brown hair and blue eyes? The image is believed to be modeled on Cesare Borgia, considered the most handsome man of his time. Leonardo Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi is believed to be based on Borgia.
This image became ingrained in religious paintings, making Robert Powell a fitting choice. Imagine Dustin Hoffman or Al Pacino in the role!
4. Jesus, The Droog?
Anthony Burgess, the celebrated novelist and author of A Clockwork Orange, was the screenwriter for the first part of the mini-series. However, he was fired after writing a review of his own novel under a pen name.
Burgess claimed he was testing if anyone read book reviews. His review of his own work was not flattering, leading to his dismissal from both The Yorkshire Post and Jesus of Nazareth.
5. A Cheese-Only Diet for Jesus
To appear gaunt during the crucifixion scenes, Robert Powell adopted an extreme diet, restricting himself solely to cheese. This must have been challenging, especially considering the hours on set and the pungent smell of cheese!
6. Displeasing Everyone
Franco Zeffirelli aimed for the project to be acceptable across denominations. He consulted religious leaders, discussing details and symbolism. However, when he mentioned portraying Jesus as an ‘ordinary simple man,’ Bob Jones III denounced the project as blasphemy.
This denunciation led to General Motors withdrawing their funding after receiving 18,000 letters of complaint.
7. Jesus of Nazareth: A Silent Film?
Filmed in Tunisia, local regulations required the use of local extras, many of whom spoke little English. Zeffirelli shot many crowd scenes without sound, adding it later. The child Jesus, played by Lorenzo Monet, was dubbed because he mumbled the Hebrew prayers he was asked to learn, which led to Zeffirelli replacing his speech.
Even Robert Powell was occasionally dubbed. When Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king, Powell’s mouth says something different from what we hear.
8. A Sympathetic Judas
Ian McShane’s portrayal of Judas Iscariot was controversial. Instead of betraying Jesus for money, Judas does it for political reasons, hoping to force Jesus into revolutionary action. The 30 pieces of silver are portrayed as an insult.
This sympathetic portrayal of Judas was disliked by fundamentalists.
9. From an Original Idea By… Pope Paul VI
The project was suggested to Lew Grade by Pope Paul VI, who complimented him on Moses The Law Giver and hoped for a similar treatment for Jesus. Initially skeptical, Grade discussed it with Franco Zeffirelli, a devout Catholic. If Zeffirelli declined, Grade would have abandoned the idea.
Pope Paul VI was delighted with the result and gave it his seal of approval.
10. Robert Powell: The New Jesus
Like Cesare Borgia, Robert Powell’s image has become the face of Jesus for many. Churches have replaced old icons with stills from the show, and pictures of Powell can be found above altars. Some have even mistaken him for Jesus in public.
Powell had to remind worshipers that he is an actor, not the Son of God.
Jesus of Nazareth remains a powerful and influential film, full of interesting behind-the-scenes stories. From makeup choices to papal endorsements, these facts add another layer to this classic portrayal of Christ.
What are your thoughts on these facts? Leave your comment below!
