Monty Python's Life of Brian
Monty Python is a British comedy group made famous for their television show, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, where they perform witty and crude routines. The success of the show led to the creation of six films: a combination of live performances, compilations of skits, and full length movies. I will be focusing on the group’s third film, Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), which tells the story of a juxtaposition of Jesus, Brian, who was born in the stable next door to the proclaimed son of God. I will argue Monty Python’s Life of Brian is a brilliant, hilarious commentary on the Roman toga films and religious fanaticism. They use an organized plot to effectively set up skits and gags in line with their message.
The Pythons: Michael Palin, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones.
These six men played a total of 40 characters in the entirety of the film.
Sections
The story of Life of Brian is rather linear, which is atypical for the usual style used in feature length performances. It subverts and parodies Roman epics of the time. The comedic style flips tropes on their head and puts Monty Python's typical absurdity in the ancient Roman setting. It mocks the mindless following of religion, and even provoked the Church to declare it a “blasphemy”.
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Plot summary and how it differs from other Monty Python films.
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See how "Life of Brian" pokes fun at other Roman epics of the era.
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How does "Life of Brian" expose hypocrisy in organized religion.