The final sequence of Monty Python's "Life of Brian" shows dozens of men on crucifixes atop a hill. Brian hangs in the center, forlorn at his impending doom. All of a sudden, on the cross next to him, a man begins to sing and whistle "Always look on the bright side of life." The other convicts begin to chime in, bobbing their heads as they go, while dead zealots tap their feet to the tune. They sing "Life's a piece of shit/ When you look at it/ Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true/ You'll see it's all a joke". When I think of Monty Python these lyrics encapsulate what I think their message has always been; they are ultimately cynical and nihilistic who combat the pointlessness of life with humor and take no prisoners. This is their testament and giant middle finger to all those in the world who take themselves and their lives too seriously. More power to them for that.
When it comes down to it I suppose "Brian" is a Biblical film. Jesus makes an appearance, as does Pontius Pilate and Judith, but I don't think there has ever been a film as blasphemous with a complete disregard for the teachings of the Bible or the feelings of those who follow it. When it came out there was an enormous backlash from religious groups, and it was even banned in Ireland and Norway--not that the Pythons minded, I'm sure. When you think about comedy, however, if something is ridiculous then it should be slandered; comedy is all or nothing. Some may find it tasteless, but as long as you remember "Life's a piece of shit" then why not take the piss out of it?
Born in the manger next door to Jesus is Brian whose mother, a Jew named Mandy, raised him without his knowledge that his father was actually a Roman. As he grows up he comes to hate the Romans and joins a terrorist organization out to take down the empire. There are screwball mishaps galore, eventually leading people to believing that he is the Messiah ("I say you are Lord. And I should know, I've followed a few," shouts one person). Brian does his best to dispel the belief that he is the son of God and show people that they need not follow anyone, but in the end he's tried as a heretic.
The film is ridiculous. That goes without saying. But for all of its ridiculousness and idiocy it's oddly poignant. I'm not sure if that would be the type of word that the Pythons would like used to describe their film--crude, oddball, riotous, confusing are probably better--but what makes a good comedy is not simply that it is funny, but that it resonates and that there is truth in what is being preyed upon. Anybody can make a fart joke, after all, but not everyone can make a send-up of the Virgin Mary who says "There's no Messiah in here. There's a mess all right, but no Messiah. Now go away!"
That isn't poignancy though, that's just clever writing, and there is very clever writing in it. What is so well thought out is the buffoonery that comes along with idolatry. This group of prolifically funny men have structured a film about the pointlessness of prophecy and the slack-jawed way in which people buy into it, but have done it so smartly that it does not seem as though they themselves are preaching. That there is damn fine film making. I suppose, though, that if you set up a group which trashes everything in equal measure your messages can be accepted without being heavy handed.
This is possibly the single greatest comedy ever. Comedy is subjective, of course, but here is a group of masterclass comedians in top form tackling the best reviewed book of all time. What's more, it's constantly funny throughout. Monty Python hits and misses usually, but not here. By the end my sides hurt from laughing and upon reflection I can still laugh. There is a difference between a one-liner and saying something truly funny. These men know how to do the latter and this film is essentially an hour and a half of nothing but. So when you feel like life is shit, take out "Life of Brian" and hopefully things will be put into better perspective. After all, you could have taken a vow of silence for 18 years only to break it when somebody steps on your foot and tells others to eat you juniper berries...
4/4
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