On November 8, 1979, Monty Python released a comedy film which proved to be so controversial it was banned in certain countries; The Life of Brian. ‘He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy,’ declares Terry Jones in a much-quoted line as he plays the mother of Brian, a young man who has been mistaken for Jesus. The cult comedy was described at the time as blasphemous and even got banned in multiple countries, including Ireland and Italy.
However, filmmaker Julian Doyle, 81, has argued it was actually a ‘more authentic and accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ than the teachings of the Church and the Bible combined.’ He also believes the iconic end song — Always Look on the Bright Side of Life — should be sun on BBC ’s Songs of Praise. Julian, who edited the film, argued it is no more offensive than the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
The film follows Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman), an unlucky man who is born in the stable next to Jesus, resulting in him being mistaken for the religious figure his entire life. It was banned in Norway for a year, Ireland for eight years, and for over a decade in Italy upon release. Screenings across the US and UK were cancelled after protests, with Aberystwyth, Wales, barring the film for over 30 years.
It was only in 2009 when Sue Jones-Davies became the town mayor that the ban was lifted due to the fact she starred as Brian’s love interest. Julian, a regular Monty Python collaborator, said it was not in.
