Book about the Film Monty Python's Life of Brian: All the References from Assyrians to Zeffirelli

Monty Python's Life of Brian was a critical and commercial success, satirizing authoritarianism and religious zealotry. This book identifies and examines the plethora of cultural, historical, and topical allusions in the film, exploring the Pythons comparisons of the Roman and British Empires, Pilate and Margaret Thatcher, and the terror groups of first-century Judea and the modern world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Following the release of their breakthrough film,Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the comedic troupe embarked on a creative endeavor to produce a "shadow" version of the Christ story. This project, shot in the Middle East and produced during the ascendancy of Margaret Thatcher, aimed to satirize various societal issues, including authoritarianism and religious zealotry. Upon its release, Monty Python's Life of Brian achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying its status as one of the greatest comedies of all time. However, the film also faced criticism from religious groups due to its perceived blasphemy.

In order to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and topical allusions present in the film, author Darl Larsen has authored a comprehensive book titled "A Book about the Film Monty Python's Life of Brian: All of the References from Assyrians to Zeffirelli." This resource serves as a valuable guide for scholars, film enthusiasts, British culture aficionados, and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Larsen meticulously identifies and examines the vast array of references found within the film, spanning from the first-century Jerusalem to the 1970s Great Britain. The entries in this cultural history are organized chronologically by scene, providing a comprehensive exploration of literary and metaphoric allusions, symbols, names, peoples, and places.

By closely examining each scene, Larsen delves into the Pythons' comparisons between the Roman and British Empires, as well as their portrayal of Pilate and Margaret Thatcher. Furthermore, he helps to contextualize Life of Brian within the broader "Jesus" re-examination of the postwar period, while also taking a close look at the terror groups of first-century Judea and the modern world. This book appeals to a wide range of audiences, including scholars of history, film, British culture, and pop culture. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of this iconic film and its enduring impact on popular culture.

Weight: 1158g
Dimension: 264 x 185 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538103654