Pontius Pilate on Screen: Sinner, Soldier, Superstar

Pontius Pilate is a controversial figure in history and film, portrayed as either a hapless victim or a heartless villain. This book examines over 25 films, discussing their portrayals of Pilate and their historical and cultural significance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Pontius Pilate, a figure of immense historical significance, has captivated filmmakers for centuries. From Monty Python's Life of Brian to Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, Pilate has been portrayed as both a hapless victim of circumstances and a heartless villain. In films about the Passion of Jesus, Pilate often represents the values of the present, such as the lingering trauma of the Holocaust, the ongoing struggle over Civil Rights, and the polarized politics of the modern world. This book explores the portrayals of Pontius Pilate in film from the silent era to the twenty-first century, covering over 25 films. It includes detailed discussions of Cecil B. DeMille's King of Kings (1927), Norman Jewison's Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), Martin Scorsese's Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ (2004), and Sony's Risen (2016). Drawing on extensive archival research and original interviews with actors, screenwriters, and producers, the book offers an in-depth analysis of the history, tradition, and reception of Pontius Pilate.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474446891