Life of Brian (1979)

Director:

Terry Jones

Writers:

Graham Chapman (written by) &
John Cleese (written by) ...
(more)

Release Date:

17 August 1979 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

A motion picture destined to offend nearly two thirds of the civilized world. And severely annoy the other third.

Plot:

Brian is born on the original Christmas, in the stable next door. He spends his life being mistaken for a messiah.

Plot Keywords:

Christmas | Judea | Satire | Revolutionary | Shoe

Cast

Graham Chapman	...	Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
John Cleese	...	Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
Terry Gilliam	...	Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood & Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
Eric Idle	...	Mr. Cheeky / Stan (Loretta) / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
Terry Jones	...	Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
Michael Palin	...	Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
Terence Bayler	...	Gregory
Carol Cleveland	...	Mrs. Gregory
Kenneth Colley	...	Jesus
Neil Innes	...	A weedy Samaritan
Charles McKeown	...	False Prophet / Blind Man / Giggling Guard / Stig
John Young	...	Matthias, Son of Deuteronomy of Gath
Gwen Taylor	...	Mrs. Big Nose
Sue Jones-Davies	...	Judith
Peter Brett
John Case	...	Pilate's Wife
Chris Langham	...	Alfonso / Giggling Guard
Andrew MacLachlan	...	Another Official Stoners Helper / Giggling Guard
Bernard McKenna	...	Parvus / Official Stoners Helper / Giggling Guard
Spike Milligan	...	Spike
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
George Harrison	...	Mr. Papadopolous (uncredited)
Charles Knode	...	Passer-by (uncredited)

Directed by
Terry Jones

Writing credits
Graham Chapman		(written by) &
John Cleese		(written by) &
Terry Gilliam		(written by) &
Eric Idle		(written by) &
Terry Jones		(written by) &
Michael Palin		(written by)

Produced by
Tarak Ben Ammar	....	executive producer: Tunisia
John Goldstone	....	producer
Tim Hampton	....	associate producer
George Harrison	....	executive producer
Denis O'Brien	....	executive producer

Original Music by
Geoffrey Burgon

Cinematography by
Peter Biziou

Film Editing by
Julian Doyle

Production Design by
Terry Gilliam

Art Direction by
Roger Christian

Costume Design by
Charles Knode
Hazel Pethig

Makeup Department
Kenteas Brine	....	hair stylist
Kenteas Brine	....	makeup artist
Elaine Carew	....	hair stylist
Elaine Carew	....	makeup artist
Faouzia Choura	....	hair stylist
Faouzia Choura	....	makeup artist
Sue Ignatius	....	hair stylist (as Susan Frear)
Sue Ignatius	....	makeup artist (as Susan Frear)
Fatma Jaziri	....	hair stylist
Fatma Jaziri	....	makeup artist
Ken Lintott	....	wigs and beards maker (as Kenneth Lintott)
Diana Webber	....	hair stylist
Diana Webber	....	makeup artist
Maggie Weston	....	hair stylist
Maggie Weston	....	makeup artist

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Hmida Ben Ammar	....	assistant director: Tunisia
Jonathan Benson	....	first assistant director
Matthew Binns	....	third assistant director
Melvin Lind	....	second assistant director
Slim Mzali	....	assistant director: Tunisia
Lotfi Thabet	....	assistant director: Tunisia

Art Department
Mohammed Azounadhea	....	assistant art director
John Beard	....	assistant art director
Graham Bullock	....	construction crew
Patricia Christian	....	art department secretary
Roy Clarke	....	construction crew
Nobby Clark	....	construction crew (as Roy Clarke)
Peter Dunlop	....	production buyer
Peter Grant	....	property master
Dennis Harrison	....	construction crew
Geoffrey Hartman	....	props department
Craig Hillier	....	construction crew
Gordon Izod	....	construction crew
Richard Jones	....	construction crew
Lotfi Layourni	....	construction manager
John Margetts	....	props department
Robert Mason	....	construction crew
Michael Melia	....	construction crew
Eric Nash	....	construction crew
Darryl Paterson	....	props department (as Daryll Patterson)
John Patterson	....	construction manager
Gordon Phillips	....	props department
Alan Seabrook	....	construction crew
Hassen Soufi	....	set dresser
Hassine Soufi	....	production buyer
Bunny Southall	....	construction crew
John Spottiswood	....	scenic artist (as John Spotswood)
Peter Verard	....	construction crew
Arthur Wicks	....	props department
David Wiggins	....	construction crew
Darryl Paterson	....	storeman (uncredited)

Sound Department
Simon Bailey	....	assistant dubbing editor
Philip Chubb	....	assistant sound engineer (as Phil Chubb)
John Foster	....	dubbing editor
Dushko Indjic	....	assistant sound engineer
Garth Marshall	....	sound recordist
Tony Orton	....	sound effects editor
Hugh Strain	....	dubbing mixer
David Watts	....	stereo sound consultant: Dolby
Christopher T. Welch	....	assistant dubbing editor (as Chris Welch)
Steve Hancock	....	dubbing projectionist (uncredited)

Visual Effects by
Tony Andrews	....	animation and model department
Rupert Ashmore	....	animation and model department
Michael Beard	....	animation and model department
Valerie Charlton	....	animation and model department (as Val Charlton)
Dennis De Groot	....	animation and model department (as Dennis DeGroot)
Kate Hepburn	....	animation and model department
Kent Houston	....	optical effects
Tim Ollive	....	animation and model department (as Tim Olive)
Roger Pratt	....	animation and model department
Keith Short	....	modeller
Paul Whitbread	....	optical effects
Bob Cuff	....	matte painter (uncredited)

Camera and Electrical Department
Sadok Ben Amor	....	camera grip
Alan Annand	....	camera loader
David Appleby	....	still photographer
Frank Batt	....	camera grip
Mike Brewster	....	focus puller (as Michael Brewster)
Hechim Cherif	....	camera loader
Chuck Finch	....	electrical department
Kamel Kardous	....	electrical department
Don Matton	....	electrical department
Reg Parsons	....	electrical department
Les Rodhouse	....	electrical department
Roy Rodhouse	....	chief electrician
Mohamed Sahli	....	electrical department
Brian Smith	....	electrical department
John Stanier	....	camera operator

Animation Department
Terry Gilliam	....	animation designer
Terry Gilliam	....	animator (uncredited)

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Sue Cable	....	costumer
Nick Ede	....	costumer
Zoulfikha Keari	....	costume department
William Pierce	....	costumer (as Bill Pierce)
Leila Turki	....	costumer

Editorial Department
Rodney Glenn	....	first assistant editor
John Mister	....	second assistant editor

Music Department
Marcus Dods	....	conductor
Keith Grant	....	music mixer
André Jacquemin	....	music mixer (as Andre Jacquemin)
Steve James	....	music mixer

Other crew
Jazzi Abderrazak	....	production department: Tunisia
Ahmed Attia	....	production department: Tunisia
Sally Ball	....	contact: London
Christina Biziou	....	location assistant
Patricia Burgess	....	representative: Hand Made Films
Habib Chaari	....	production department: Tunisia
Mohamed Ali Cherif	....	production department: Tunisia (as Ali Cherif)
Hazel Crombie	....	assistant accountant
Carey Fitzgerald	....	contact: London
Claude Guillene	....	production department: Tunisia
Sallie Hampton	....	location assistant
Tarak Harbi	....	production department: Tunisia
Anne Henshaw	....	business manager
Mouldi Kriden	....	production department: Tunisia
Brenda Loader	....	continuity
Christine Miller	....	bibliography assistant
Hafida Ouertani	....	accounting secretary
Jennie Raglan	....	production assistant
Hilary Sandison	....	assistant to producer
Nicole Souchal	....	production assistant
Betty Swinburne	....	contact: London
Ron Swinburne	....	production accountant
Peter Thompson	....	public relations
Ridha Turki	....	accountant: Tunisia

Thanks
Keith Moon	....	published edition of the screenplay dedicated to

Production Companies

• HandMade Films (presents) (as Handmade Films)
• Python (Monty) Pictures

Distributors

• Asociace Ceských Filmových Klubu (ACFK) (????) (Czech Republic) (theatrical)
• Cinema International Corp. (1979) (UK) (theatrical)
• Cinéma International Corporation (CIC) (1980) (Sweden) (theatrical)
• Compagnie Française de Distribution Cinématographique (CFDC) (1980) (France) (theatrical)
• Greater Union Organisation (GUO) (1980) (Australia) (theatrical)
• Orion Pictures Corporation (1979) (USA) (theatrical)
• Rainbow Releasing (2003) (USA) (theatrical)
• UGC Distribution (1980) (France) (theatrical)
• UGC-Fox Distribution (UFD) (2004) (France) (theatrical) (re-release)
• Warner Bros. Pictures (1979) (USA) (theatrical)
• Warner-Columbia Filmverleih (1980) (West Germany) (theatrical)
• 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (1988) (UK) (VHS)
• Anchor Bay Entertainment (2004) (USA) (DVD)
• BMG Video (????) (Australia) (VHS)
• Columbia TriStar Home Video (2003) (USA) (DVD)
• Columbia TriStar (2003) (Brazil) (DVD)
• Criterion Collection, The (1999) (USA) (DVD)
• Filmförlaget Atlantic (1996) (Sweden) (VHS)
• IDA films (2009) (Spain) (DVD)
• LK-TEL (2003) (Argentina) (DVD)
• Manga Films (2001) (Spain) (DVD)
• Paramount Home Entertainment (2001) (UK) (DVD)
• Paramount Home Video (1991) (USA) (video) (laserdisc)
• Phillips (1992) (Germany) (video) (laserdisc)
• Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (2008) (Netherlands) (DVD) (Blu-ray disc)
• Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (2008) (USA) (DVD)
• Thorn EMI Video Australia (????) (Australia) (VHS)
• Universal Pictures Finland Oy (2003) (Finland) (DVD)
• VCL Communications (????) (Germany) (VHS)
• VTI Home Vídeo (????) (Brazil) (VHS)

Special Effects

• Abacus Productions (matte paintings)
• Peerless Camera Company (optical effects)

Other Companies

• Berman's and Nathan's  costumes
• Chappell Recording Studio  music recording
• Ditta Pompei  shoes
• Ditta Rancati  military uniforms
• Gpil  costumes
• Joe Dunton & Company  camera equipment provided by
• Lee Lighting  grip and lighting equipment
• Memmo of Rome  location catering
• Olympic Sound Studios  music recording
• Perruzzi  costumes
• Redwood Recording Studios  music recording
• Romana Trasporti Cinematografici S.r.l.  additional location facilities (as Roma Transporta Cinematografica)
• Trevor Pyke Sound Ltd.  sound re-recording facility
• Wigs Specialties  wigs and beards

Also Known As:

Brian of Nazareth (UK) (working title)
Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory (UK) (working title)
Monty Python's Life of Brian (UK) (complete title)
The Gospel According to St. Brian (UK) (working title)

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English | Latin

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:R (Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | Norway:(Banned) (1979 - 1980) | Finland:K-16 (cut) (1980) | Finland:K-16 (1988) | Netherlands:MG6 (DVD rating) | Iceland:L | Spain:T | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:(Banned) | Norway:18 (1980) | Sweden:15 | Australia:MA (Special Edition DVD) | France:U | Australia:M | Brazil:18 | Argentina:16 (re-rating) | Argentina:18 (original rating) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Ireland:(Banned) (1979-1987) | Ireland:15 (re-rating) | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:11 (re-rating) (2004) | UK:15 (video rating) (1988) | UK:AA (original rating) | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Amphitheater, Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia

Company:

HandMade Films

Trivia:

The shots of all the people walking towards the mount at the beginning of the movie were accidental. It was late afternoon when they were shooting this scene, and suddenly, all the Tunisian extras left, as all the women had to prepare dinner for their families. The sweeping shots at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount sequence are of all the extras returning to the set.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: In the scene where the three wise men are praising Brian, an electrical extension lead is clearly visible hanging down on the right of the screen (wide screen format).

Quotes:

[first lines]
Wise Man #1: Ahem!
Brian?s mother: Oh!
[falls over in chair]
Brian?s mother: Who are you?
Wise Man #2: We are three wise men.
Brian?s mother: What?
Wise Man #1: We are three wise men.
Brian?s mother: Well, what are you doing creeping around a cow shed at two o'clock in the morning? That doesn't sound very wise to me.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Gilmore Girls: Red Light on the Wedding Night (#2.3)" (2001)

Soundtrack:

Always Look on the Bright Side Of Life

Stunningly funny

One of my fave films of all time, this film has so many laugh-out-loud jokes and ridiculous thought processes that it would probably be unfair to pick out just a few. Tough - I'm going to: John Cleese as the legionnary Latin teacher rebuking Brian not for daring to use graffiti on the Roman fort but for using the wrong tense, Michael Palin trying to find his place in life as an ex-leper, Terry Jones as Brian's mother trying to protect him from myrrh - let's face it, we've all wondered what myrrh is ! The bit that always makes me laugh without fail is something that isn't always noticed - when Michael Palin is having a go at the guards; "Do you find it risible when I say the name of my friend Biggus Diccus ?" if you look carefully you'll see that Palin is trying really hard not to laugh.

Puerile, silly but also very very clever. This film doesn't criticise religion or Jesus in any way ( what was wrong with the people who tried to ban it ? ) - it's just asking what it could have been like in a society that was expecting the Messiah to show up at any moment, and covering it in a massive coating of comedy.

This film is an absolute classic - 10 out of 10.