Search engine for discovering works of Art, research articles, and books related to Art and Culture
Javascript must be enabled to continue!
Mary Magdalene and the Life of Judith in Life of Brian
View through CrossRef
Abstract
This article provides a snapshot of how Mary Magdalene was understood in 1970s Britain through the character of Judith in Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Judith as presented in Life of Brian is compared with Mary Magdalene as presented in Jesus Christ Superstar, especially the receptions of the hit musical in newspapers of the time where there was a recurring focus on sexuality and gender stereotypes. The comparison shows that, while Life of Brian may not be the most progressive film in terms of gender and sexuality, it did challenge some of these stereotypes about Mary Magdalene by normalizing Judith’s attitude towards sex and making her (largely) a voice of reason in the film.
Title: Mary Magdalene and the Life of Judith in Life of Brian
Description:
Abstract
This article provides a snapshot of how Mary Magdalene was understood in 1970s Britain through the character of Judith in Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Judith as presented in Life of Brian is compared with Mary Magdalene as presented in Jesus Christ Superstar, especially the receptions of the hit musical in newspapers of the time where there was a recurring focus on sexuality and gender stereotypes.
The comparison shows that, while Life of Brian may not be the most progressive film in terms of gender and sexuality, it did challenge some of these stereotypes about Mary Magdalene by normalizing Judith’s attitude towards sex and making her (largely) a voice of reason in the film.
Related Results
Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John
Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John
Abstract
In modern Western culture, Mary Magdalene is perhaps best known for her being the first person to whom the risen Christ appeared (protophany) and for her pr...
The Fictional and Gnostic Mary Magdalene
The Fictional and Gnostic Mary Magdalene
Abstract
Although ancient Gnosticism and modern fiction seem to be worlds apart, recent novels featuring Mary Magdalene as protagonist have taken advantage of the ea...
Defining the Real Mary Magdalene
Defining the Real Mary Magdalene
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the major evidence and modern works defining Mary Magdalene as a real person. The body of evidence concerning Mary Magd...
Mary Magdalene in the Synoptic Gospel Narratives
Mary Magdalene in the Synoptic Gospel Narratives
Abstract
Mary Magdalene appears in all three Synoptic Gospels as a witness to the final events of the gospel narratives, including the crucifixion, burial, tomb, and...
Mary Magdalene in Theological Perspective across Gospel Texts
Mary Magdalene in Theological Perspective across Gospel Texts
Abstract
Mary Magdalene is a figure of significance for Christianity in the first centuries of its life. She is associated closely with Jesus’s ministry as a faithfu...
Mary Magdalene in Africa
Mary Magdalene in Africa
Abstract
Mary Magdalene is a little-known figure among contemporary African Christians, aside from their encounter with her story in the gospels. As a result, there ...
Mary Magdalene in Patristic Literature
Mary Magdalene in Patristic Literature
Abstract
The patristic record depicted Mary Magdalene in manifold ways in the first centuries of Christianity, both positively and negatively. For some early Christi...
Mary Magdalene in Christian Hymnody, Liturgical Music, and Drama
Mary Magdalene in Christian Hymnody, Liturgical Music, and Drama
Abstract
The various ways liturgists, dramatists, and song composers expound the details of Mary Magdalene’s life shows that her cult was a work in progress. Her ide...