Life of Brian is a legendary film.
Those are not just my words; and they aren't always taken positively. With it's controversial nature and equally controversial cast, writers and directors, this film was banned in hundreds of countries - as close to home as Ireland, for UK readers like myself. A discussion about it between Pythons John Cleese and Michael Palin, devoted Christian Malcolm Muggeridge and Bishop of Southwark Mervyn Stockwood, has itself been turned into a feature length film. And it is still one of the most widely debated films today in terms of content and BBFC rating.
I love this film. I love the fact that the Pythons weren't afraid to tread the ground no one must walk on. I love the fact that, despite mainly being about standing out, it's plot is still strong. I love the fact that there's a song in a funeral scene. In short, I love it because it is entirely Python.
Graham Chapman has always been my favourite, because he proved that you didn't have to be outgoing and loud and outlandish to be successful - readers who know me will guess that that's something I relate to quite well. And he does play a brilliant bumbling hero as Brian of Nazareth. The weaving in of the other Pythons - Palin as Pilate, Jones as Mandy, Idle as an inappropriately cheerful crucifix singer - worked quite well: their sketch show background means they're used to playing a variety of different characters.
I don't really know how to conclude this one, since I haven't really put up much of an argument. I like this film. Some people might not, and I can totally see why they might not. But what I admire most is the fact that it took guts to even suggest making a film like this - but they did it anyway. And in due time, it did very, very well.
(film sort of suggested by my friend Jason, who may or may not have been serious about asking for a mention in this blog while singing 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life')
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