"Life of Brian" had a big impact on British society. This essay focuses on the influence of "Life of Brian" on British society and the reactions of the Catholic Church.
Peadar Kirby published his essay "The Catholic Church in post-Celtic Tiger Ireland" 2008 in a book called "Contemporary Catholicism in Ireland". In this essay Kirby analyses the Irish Catholic Church in relation to a letter written by Father Patrick Seaver to "The Irish Times" in 2007. Kirby argues that the outdated clerical cast system and the troubles of the Irish Catholic Church are still present within modern society. In the following essay, Kirby’s arguments will be used as a theory for discussing the accusation of blasphemy by the Catholic Church towards the movie "Life of Brian" by the comedian group Monty Python from 1979 and to point out the struggle of the Church to allow a critical view on the issue of religion.
At a glance
- Grade: 1.3 (1.0 is the best grade)
- Applies Peadar Kirby’s analysis of the Irish Catholic Church to Life of Brian
- Examines the 1979 BBC debate involving Cleese, Palin, Muggeridge and Stockwood
- 15 sources in the bibliography
Contents
1. Introduction and Analytical Framework
2. Religious Satire in Life of Brian
3. Clerical Authority and the BBC Debate
4. Religious and Public Responses
5. Conclusion and Legacy
Aims and Topics
This essay uses Peadar Kirby’s critique of the Irish Catholic Church to examine accusations of blasphemy against Monty Python’s Life of Brian. It asks how the controversy reflects religious authority and resistance to critical discussion.
- The film’s portrayal of Jesus, Brian and religious followers
- Satire of religious leadership and unquestioning belief
- Kirby’s account of clerical authority in Ireland
- The 1979 BBC debate about blasphemy
- Religious opposition and public reception
Excerpt from the Book
Monty Python`s "Life of Brian"
From the very beginning of the movie, when baby Jesus is shown with a halo in the stable next to Brian's, the Pythons clearly distinguish Jesus and Brian as two distinct individuals. Later on in the movie, Brian attends the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus (played by Kenneth Colley) is shown in a respectful way (De Arnold Palmer 2014). Jesus is mentioned once again by the ex-leper who tells Brian how Jesus cured him, but later complains about how Jesus takes away his livelihood as a beggar because of it. Once more Jesus is shown very briefly, when Simon of Cyrene offers to carry his cross but does not manage to give it back to his rightful occupant. This is the only scene where Jesus himself is not portrayed in a serious way (Tomkins 1999). Aside from that the story picks up several Gospel stories, like the stoning scene, where the Pythons mock religious legalism and sexism, for women are not allowed at the scene (Tomkins 1999). The humor in "Life of Brian" is clearly aimed for religious leaders and their adherents (Benko 2012:9). For example, Pontius Pilate, played by John Cleese, is parodied via a speech impediment. The blind worshipping of idols, with out questioning their statements, is demonstrated by Brian's true-to-life followers, who read miracles and signs into everything he does or says. The statement by one of Brian's followers, who chased Brian into a hermits burrow, highlights this issue: "You are the Messiah! And I should know; I’ve followed a few!" (De Arnold Palmer 2014). The movie ends with the crucifixion of Brian and several others outside the city. Having been abandoned not only by his political peers, "The People´s Front of Judaea", but also by his lover Judith and his mother Mandy, Brian is indeed desperate when he is encouraged by a fellow crucified, to sing along to the song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" (Benko 2012:1). This song, which later becomes the official Monty Python hymn, is about how everybody can choose the meaning and value of their existence and to make the best out of everything, for there is nothing to lose: "You know, you come from nothing - you're going back to nothing. What have you lost? Nothing!" (Benko 2012:15).
Section Summaries
1. Introduction and Analytical Framework: The essay introduces Kirby’s critique of the Irish Catholic Church as a framework for discussing the controversy surrounding Life of Brian.
2. Religious Satire in Life of Brian: It describes the film’s plot and examines its treatment of Jesus, religious leaders and Brian’s followers.
3. Clerical Authority and the BBC Debate: The discussion connects Kirby’s account of clerical authority with the televised exchange between the filmmakers and their critics.
4. Religious and Public Responses: The essay considers differing views of blasphemy and heresy, opposition to the film and audience reactions.
5. Conclusion and Legacy: The author returns to the question of critical debate and reflects on the film’s continuing cultural impact.
Keywords
Monty Python, Life of Brian, religious satire, blasphemy, heresy, Catholic Church, clerical authority, Peadar Kirby, critical thinking, religious criticism, film reception, freedom of speech
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this essay about?
It examines the controversy over Monty Python’s Life of Brian and accusations that the film is blasphemous.
What are its central themes?
Its themes include religious satire, clerical authority, critical thought and responses to challenges to religious beliefs.
What is the essay’s main aim?
It uses Peadar Kirby’s arguments about the Irish Catholic Church to discuss the reaction to the film and the Church’s response to criticism.
What method does the author use?
The author presents a comparative interpretive discussion, applying Kirby’s arguments to the film and its reception while drawing on published sources.
What does the main discussion cover?
It considers scenes from the film, the 1979 BBC debate, accusations of blasphemy and the reactions of religious groups and audiences.
Which keywords characterize the essay?
Key terms include religious satire, blasphemy, clerical authority, critical thinking and film reception.
How does the essay use Peadar Kirby’s work?
It draws on his account of clerical authority and the Irish Catholic Church’s relationship with modern society as a framework for interpreting the controversy.
Why is the BBC debate important to the discussion?
The 1979 exchange between John Cleese, Michael Palin, Malcolm Muggeridge and Bishop Melvyn Stockwood provides an example of the dispute between the filmmakers and religious critics.
Does the essay distinguish blasphemy from heresy?
Yes. It presents differing views from Terry Jones and John Cleese on whether the film should be described as heretical, alongside their rejection of the accusation of blasphemy.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2015, Monthy Python's "Life of Brian". The influence on British society and the reactions of the Catholic Church, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/333859
