Robert Powell, “Jesus of Nazareth” (1977)
Throughout the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, director Franco Zeffirelli produced several Shakespearean adaptions whose successes were largely based on fidelity to the text, and a healthy dose of Italian sensuality that fit the era. So it was both fitting and odd that Zeffirelli was chosen to spearhead this multi-hour star-studded miniseries; but other than the casting of his jaw-droppingly beautiful Juliet (Olivia Hussey) as the Virgin Mary, it largely eschewed sensuality for a film that remains probably the most straightforward adaption of the Gospels (the screenplay was, shockingly, by “Clockwork Orange” author Anthony Burgess!!!). Despite featuring a “who’s-who” of late ‘70s actors (and “Deadwood” fans will get a kick out Ian McShane’s Judas), the central role was again given to a largely unknown British stage actor. Powell gives Jesus a wide eyed “otherworldly” quality that stood in direct contrast to films that aimed to showcase his humanity.
(This version is available at Amazon on DVD only; you can also stream a version produced and starring Charlton Heston at Amazon)
