Monty Python`s Life of Brian

by Igor Stanojevic

Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Eric Idle
Director: Terry Gilliam
Screenplay: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Eric Idle

It is really frightening to review this movie today, since it is so much more today than it was when it got out. Today, when you rarely meet a person that doesn`t know at least one gag form this movie, or hasn`t heard “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”, as sung by a bunch of crucified people at the end of this hilarious romp through Monty Python`s alternative Bible.

Brian is born a couple of stables down for the one Christ was born in and is constantly mistaken for a messiah. If you really know your Monty Python, you already understand that their movies are more so series of sketches, than a solid advancing plot. Cast of supporting characters include his virgin mother that had sex with a Roman centurion and had Brian afterwards, People`s Front of Judea that plots to overthrow the Romans because “apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?”, an ex-leper that can`t get any money because Jesus cured him and a zillion other memorable characters.

I don`t understand people who feel offended by the Pythons. Yes, they do make fun of Christians, but they also make fun of Jews, and Moslems and Hindus. Yes, they make fun of Americans, but not more so than they make fun of Brits, Frenchmen or Germans. Simply put, everyone and everything have something funny about them, you just have to put it in the right perspective and be open-minded about it. And Pythons are the kings of this.

Here`s a couple of history bits for you: George Harrison (yes, the “Beatles” one) started the production company “Handmade Films” solely for the purpose of making this movie, because he believed that if he didn`t, he might never see a Monty Python movie again. We also have Harrison in a bit part. Look for the authentic Livepoolian “’ullo”, which is his only line.

Monty Pythons are possibly the greatest comic geniuses of all times, and some of the greatest philosophers. The end sequence, when a bunch of people are crucified and singing “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”, is something that just sticks with you. In my favorite verse from the song the crucified ask “Is life just a game where we make up the rules while we`re searching for something to say?” I would say that`s the most accurate definition of the meaning of life to date. As I said before, the Pythons are the kings, and “Life of Brian” is the brightest jewel in the crown and possibly the funniest profound movie ever.

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