The father of neorealism makes Jesus boring on purpose — and it's kinda brilliant?
Rossellini takes numerous liberties with the original source material, rearranging and omitting events at will, presenting everything in a highly undramatic fashion. The film begins in the time of the Old Testament, allowing Rossellini to present the story of Jesus in its ancient, historic context.
Direction
Rossellini deliberately drains all Hollywood grandeur.
Production
Shot in actual Middle Eastern locations on shoestring budget.
Writing
Script treats Bible like dry historical record.
Director
Roberto Rossellini
Pier Maria Rossi
Jesus
Mita Ungaro
Virgin Mary
Fausto Di Bella
Saul
Vernon Dobtcheff
Samuel
Antonella Fasano
Maria Magdalena
Jean Martin
Pontius Pilate
Toni Ucci
Herodes Antipas
Vittorio Caprioli
Herod the Great
Tina Aumont
Adulteress
Flora Carabella
Herodias
Joshua Sinclair
Roman guard
Renato Scarpa
Herod's brother
John Karlsen
Caiaphas
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rossellini called this his 'scientific' film, treating Christ as historical figure rather than divine mystery — scandalous for 1975 Catholic Italy.
The director's own son refused to see it, calling the project 'spiritual suicide' — family drama!
IT
