SPIRITUAL focus on film April 19, 2004 Issue

The Gospel of John now on DVD

Marilyn Jones

When writers adapt a book for the big screen, it's inherently impossible for the screen version not to become a new work altogether. The three-hour Canadian film production The Gospel of John, newly released on DVD, is no exception.

This word-for-word depiction of the events described by Jesus' disciple John (according to the translation in the American Bible Society's Good News Bible) plays out in an epic panorama. The story opens with John the Baptist, wild-eyed and prophesying about the Messiah. And right from these opening scenes, the story gallops ahead, with

Jesus appearing seemingly out of nowhere to begin his ministry. I found this literal rendition of events to be both the strength and the weakness of the movie. Because, ultimately, I found myself asking, What is the advantage to having this story told through the medium of film?

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Through a spiritual lens— CATHEDRAL OF THE SEA
April 19, 2004
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit