Judas Isacriot

Author(s): George
Location: GA

"Judas Iscariot"

Directed by: Milos Forman
Written by: Milos Forman
Music by: Clint Mansell

Main Cast

Jeremy Davies as Judas Iscariot
James Franco as Christ
Rhona Mitra as Mary Magdalene
Giovanni Risbi as Pontius Pilate

Tagline: "No matter what you think, he changed the world forever"

Synopsis: He saw something that could only happen in a fable. The man in the middle of the town put his hand on a blind man’s eyes and when he took it off the blind man was blind no more. The rest of the people there ran off to tell everyone else they knew about what they just saw, but he stayed there. Only God himself could do this so he went up to the man and asked if he was. The other 11 men behind him immediately yelled out yes and told that he was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ stayed silent, but then the man asked if he could come with them. Christ nodded and only asked him what his name was.

“Judas Iscariot”, he replied.

As Christ and Judas traveled together, both became increasingly intrigued by the other. To Christ, Judas was the only one out of his twelve disciples who was able to comprehend the glory and power of heaven and God himself. Judas saw Christ as a doorway to a better and forgiving world that could allow people like him who have sinned to be forgiven and to become happy.

Christ then saw that an adulterous wife was to be stoned to death. Christ stopped the angry mob and saved the woman who was called Mary Magdalene. As they journey on, their bond becomes closer.

At the Passover feast Christ sits with the twelve and Mary to say that this would be his last meal on this earth. While the others don’t understand Judas realizes that Christ would have to go back to heaven sooner or later and the only way to do that would be his death. Christ pulls Judas aside afterward to talk to him about something very important. He explains to Judas that he is the only disciple that can comprehend what has to be done. He asks him to turn him into the Romans, who have been trying to arrest for all this time, so he can go to heaven and be able to forgive all of humanity. Judas understands, but can’t believe why he should be the one to kill the man who put the world back up on his feet. Christ tells him to go to Pontius Pilate and tell him where he is. Judas runs and doesn’t stop until he is too tired to go on. Why? Was it his destiny to be the murder of the greatest man ever? Was he to go down in history as the traitor of all traitors? Someone had to do it.

He goes to Pilate and tells him where Christ can be found. Pilate hurriedly gets dressed and orders his soldiers to follow Judas to where Christ is. He gives Judas thirty pieces of silver and he reluctantly takes it. Pilate asks him what his name is.

“Judas Iscariot”, he replied.

He takes the men there and shows his last affection for Christ with a kiss on his forehead. Christ nods to Judas showing approval, but Judas can’t look at him. He can only walk away.

The next day Judas is still in shock of what he just did. He sees Mary crying and catches her eye. Mary automatically yells at him and Judas starts to weep until he can’t see and starts to run. He goes to a local merchant and sees a bundle of rope for sale. He takes out the thirty pieces of silver he got from Pilate and gives them to the merchant. He takes the rope and looks at it. The merchant stares at him and then asks him for his name. Before Judas answers he thinks about what his name will mean. His name will mean betrayer for years and years to come no matter what happens to him. He knows now that there is no out running his destiny. He knew what he must do, and answered the merchant.

“Judas Iscariot”, he replied.

What the Press would say:

There is no substitute for Milos Forman. In each film he does, he puts extensive care and incredible detail into it. This is not apparent more than in his newest film, Judas Iscariot. His script follows Judas through the reign of Christ until the crucifixion. The script does not deny the abilities of Christ or question his divinity, but instead explores the essence of his betrayer, Judas. Judas is given a soul that many would not think possible and it is not only because of the script, but also because of the performance of Jeremy Davies. His dedication to the character is apparent, and he embodies the soul of the mostly fictionalized Judas Iscariot. His moral dilemma is brought into vivid reality as Davies transforms into the most infamous character in history. The supporting cast is also very unique and talented especially with James Franco, whose quiet intensity brings a new type of Christ to the screen. The subject matter may be difficult for some. It is an adaptation of the infamous GOSPEL OF JUDAS. The gospel indicates that Christ did in fact ask Judas to turn him in so he can break away from his human form. The film brings this controversial topic to amazing reality. It is handled with such care, that you don’t even think while you’re seeing it that it is “fiction” and not a “real” account of the arrest of Christ. Some may think this is a biblical epic. It is nothing of the sort. It is a drama with no sweeping camera angles or overscore. This is another excellently executed and beautifully written masterpiece from the one and only Milos Forman.

Nominations:

Best Picture
Best Actor (Jeremy Davies)
Best Supporting Actor (James Franco)
Best Director ( Milos Forman)
Best Screenplay ( Milos Forman)
Best Score
Best Cinematography