Its a classic topic for a movie, but it is treading on more controversial ground than usual.
Certainly more so than many more straightforward faith-based movies.
The rest of the movie follows the less holy and more hapless adventures of Brian (Graham Chapman).
Generally, this is a reverent portrayal designed to frame the more irreverent and human story of Clarence.
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Still, bothBrianandClarencecontain a subversive idea, intentionally or not.
The big G must at all times remain ineffable.
The TV adaptation of Gaimans other meditation on faith,American Gods, likewise featured an absolute Jesus-verse.
One Jesus bleeds jelly beans from his stigmata.
Another is still a baby.
Yet again though, all of these Jesuses are oddly reticent to speak for themselves.
Maybe all of the above is out of the writers collective desire to avoid hubris.
The focus is different to what you might typically seeI didnt come here to bring peace.
We are right up close with him.
We see him struggle and doubt.
We see arguments between him and his disciples over how best to resist Roman occupation.
Nobody feels like they know how the story is going to turn out.
But what really pissed people off was what happened during the crucifixion.
Dafoes Jesus is offered the out that he famously pleaded for in the Garden of Gethsemane.
He has children and he grows old.
ItsSuperman II; itsSpider-Man 2; itsDoctor Whos Human Nature.
The films few attempts at showing Jesus humanity (he invents the dining table!)
The Jesus of the Bible is a rich, complex and compelling characternot a blank slate to project onto.
