A Manly Man
Mar 22nd, 2007 by James Hofsiss in Religion
I was reading Brad’s latest post about the “hot” gospel and it made me think, has there ever been a “Hollywood” Jesus that truly portrayed the image we have, and more importantly the Bible’s image, of the man Jesus was?
Brad referred to “the long-faced, pale skinned Jesus holding up the cute little peace sign” and I immediately thought of Max von Sydow in “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” While I love many things about the movie, including von Sydow’s voice and presence, (yeah, I know Jesus wouldn’t have a Swedish accent) I don’t think he was a great choice for the role. One of the best things about the film was Charlton Heston as John the Baptizer. In fact, Heston’s John is more like my image of Jesus than Max’s portrayal. Rough-hewn, rugged, hirsute, maybe even a little wild-eyed at times. Can you imagine the fire and passion Christ must have exuded as he spoke about the kingdom of God? This was a man that I believe was a carpenter for almost his whole life. In that time carpentry would have been very physical, strenuous work. He would likely have been muscular with rough, calloused hands. Certainly nothing like Jeff Hunter (”King of Kings”) or Jeremy Sisto (”Jesus” miniseries).
Has there ever been a “manly” portrayal of Jesus in film or even art? If you were casting the role of Jesus who would you choose from today’s crop of actors?
James, coming over from Dee Andrews’ post on her interview with Brad. Just wanted to say hi.
Is it possible that Hollywood’s portrayal of Jesus is kinda wimpy because of the message of peace He often gave? In our society it seems that you’re either tough or wimpy — you either promote bravery & courage through violence or you’re wimpy because you don’t want to fight. Just a thought. Obviously that image of Jesus doesn’t show much insight or research into what the Bible says about Him, as you pointed out. I don’t know who I would cast for the role, but I probably would not choose Jim Caviezel — too pretty — but that’s just me.
You’re not going to be staying in Christiansburg on a Saturday night, are you?
I like your nod to the Newsboys.
(My first Christian contemporary band CD)