Reveiwed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Garth Davis, Transmission Films, M 120 Minutes
After bringing to the screen his highly lavished story of a lost Indian boy in ‘Lion’ it is somewhat surprising that Aussie director Garth Davis should now decide to focus on the significant life of spiritual figure Mary Magdalene.
Renowned in Christian Gospels, Davis’ rendition of Mary Magdalene (Rooney Mara –‘Carol’) commences with her leaving the fishing village of Magdala (near the sea of Galilee) to follow the charismatic Nazarene, Jesus (Joaquin Phoenix –‘Her’) and his disciples on their preordained journey to Jerusalem.
It is during their pilgrimage through various villages that Mary beholds the healing power of Jesus and his many spiritual pronouncements besides developing a particular affection for him, much to the displeasure of his principal disciple, Peter (Chiwetel Ejiorfor –‘Doctor Strange’).
Along the way Mary meets some of the other disciples prepared to join Jesus in his journey including Andrew (Charles Babalola –‘The Legend of Tarzan’), James (Tawfeek Barhom), John (Zohar Shtrauss) and Judas (Tahar Rahim).
Following their arrival in Jerusalem for the Jewish Festival of Passover, Mary is seated next to Jesus at the Last Supper together with his 12 apostles and when the time comes for his crucifixion, she is alongside the Mother of Jesus the Blessed Virgin Mary to witness his death and one of the first to observe his resurrection.
This being only his second feature film, Davis candidly acknowledges his agnostic approach, simultaneously admitting to having a spiritual connection in adapting the Mary Magdalene story by scriptwriters Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett.
In making this movie Davis intended to establish Mary Magdalene’s position as the “Apostle to the Apostles”, in particular presenting her as a revered figure with religious conviction and denouncing the long held perception of her being a prostitute.
Despite focusing on the central character the storyline gathers pace sometime in the second half of his production and while Mara’s performance is certainly convincing, Phoenix’s portrayal of Jesus (though always respectful) shows he is miscast in the role.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 Stars
