Written and performed by the notorious comedy crew Monty Python, the iconic comedy film titled Life of Brian came out almost forty-four years ago in 1979. Under the direction of Terry Jones, this finely crafted movie managed to become a phenomenon at the time of its release, so let us find out where this controversial film was shot.
With a talented cast of comedians, including Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, the movie followed the story of a young man who ended up being born on the same day and in the same neighborhood as Jesus. While the people around mistook him for being their savior, the Messiah, the twist was that this young man was of Jewish Roman descent.
Despite the hate that the film received for being insensitive towards religion and people accusing the makers of blasphemy, which even led to scattered protests, the film ended up becoming the highest-grossing film of the year.
While many countries took severe actions, including banning the movie from being shown for decades, the makers found alternate ways to promote their films. Some continue to call it the greatest comedy movie that has ever been made because of its unique premise, unreal attention to detail, and brilliantly funny.
The movie has stood against the test of time as the satire used continues to be relevant even now. It might still offend a large bunch for its ruthless use of biblical references, which, though cruel, is also insanely funny. Fans of the comedy group believe that this film, Life of Brian, might as well have been the group’s greatest achievement, which will continue to be hilarious.
Monty Python’s group received much backlash and had to, at some point, clarify that they were not out to brainwash people or show their religious beliefs in a negative light but that all they had tried to do with the movie was to comment on the “misinterpretation” of the religious beliefs, not the beliefs themselves.
Whatever their intention may have been, the movie is hilarious, and that is that. While we are sure you must want to rush to refresh your memories of the film, let us look at all of the locations where the filming crew shot this comedy.
Life Of Brian Filming Locations
Tunisia
A significant portion of the film is said to have been shot here, in Tunisia, North Africa. To be more specific, the filming crew made use of Ribat, situated in the city of Monastir, in Tunisia. Most likely built during the eighth century, the place, with its maze-like passages and extremely high walls, acted as the perfect shooting spot for the crew.
This is also the location that was used in another television series inspired by the life of Jesus called Jesus of Nazareth. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, this one clearly is the more authentic and serious one of the two.
Another beautiful historical location that the makers used in the film was the Kasbah of Sousse, which proudly stands as the highest point of the city. The walls of this monument were actually used as the city walls in the film. The actual monument is located, specifically, on Boulevard Marechal Tito in Sousse for anyone who wishes to pay this place a visit.
The Jerusalem Colosseum scene in the film was filmed at this gorgeous wide amphitheater, which in reality was the Carthage Amphitheatre, a Roman theatre located north of Tunisia. The scene where our lead guy, Brian, was being taken into the People’s Front of Judea at the Children’s Matinee was shot at this place as well.
The last important scene in the film, the crucifixion scene, had the camera crew make use of the landscape around the Matmata, a small town located south of Tunisia. This was also the place that was used in the popular Star Wars movie, also set in Tunisia.
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