Monty Python's Life of Brian

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The only other film that the Python troop ever did with a narrative, piecing together various sketches, was 'LIfe of Brian'. The interesting bit of history behind this one, is that its funding came from none other than George Harrison, simply because he wanted to see it. Without George, this film may never have existed. For some of the more religious at heart, that might sound like a good thing, but for me, this film represents everything that inspired 'South Park', and other movies and shows that have pushed the envelope, and ever-teetering on that offensive line.

This came out in 1979, so a lot of this stuff was still taboo. However, 'Life of Brian' was largely made with the idea in mind that Python wanted their audience to decide on such complex and controversial issues, such as religion, for themselves. In its own way, it's the most clever of all of Python's material. But again, the controversy behind this one was pretty huge.

The story, in question, follows Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman); your average, everyday guy who is eventually mistaken for being the one true Messiah, by many, rather than Jesus Christ. So yeah, you can see where controversy might enter into it, as when you bring religion into things, it's just all out war (often for real). But with that said, far too many people have completely missed the point of the film. Again, it was made for people to think on these issues and subjects, rather than just be sheep. It furthermore largely satirizes people who follow blindly, and just how ridiculous it can all get.

Now, allow me to give my own religious views really quickly. I remain an agnostic. I tend to lean towards how much science has shown me, and take it from there. But there's still the mysteries of what lies beyond our universe, as well. And what about before the Big Bang? What was going on? Agree with me or not, one must admit that there are still a lot of unanswered questions out there. So COULD there be some sort of higher power, like me with an ant in a trap? I don't really see why not.

With all that said, I love that this movie came along with balls enough to say "Y'know what, we need to question this whole religion thing. We need to challenge it, and show people that other thoughts on the subject exist". Other people in the world were already doing this, but the entertainment industry was only getting darker with it, using the occult for a large chunk of horror. 'Life of Brian' is practically Monty Python's unapologetic middle finger to all that, saying "look how silly you're being", and horror actually did move from largely occult to largely slasher after that.

I'm not saying this movie was the cause, but I might suggest that perhaps a nudge was made by it. 'Halloween' was the film that really launched it, made one year before this, I know. But still, it's just neat to think about the possibility that this might have helped move it along. Now, let's just bear in mind that this is all just my own theories, so if I'm way off, feel free to correct me.

Anyway, moving forward, I kinda feel like this is a Python film that got swept under the rug due to its overall controversy. There are still people who hate it today for the same reasons, I'm sure. But I'd encourage people to give it a chance, because it does send the message of the potential silliness behind some of these things. People will jump to the conclusion that it's making fun of Jesus, but it's really more of a satire on his followers. It's kinda like taking 'Team America' and recognizing it as a satire on the American Government's often ignorant and destructive ways rather than just a film that makes fun of different races. In other words, there's a bigger picture to be seen. It won't be for everyone, but I'd still encourage people to try, if only to see what their own thoughts are regarding its controversy.

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