Lights, Camera, Transformation?

Well, folks, here we are delving into “The Visual Bible: The Gospel of John,” an intriguing film that attempts to capture the spirit of the Gospel word for word. Directed by Philip Saville with Christopher Plummer breathing life into the narration, it feels like stepping into a time machine that might or might not work exactly as planned.

So, let’s talk about the brilliant Henry Ian Cusick, who plays Jesus. He’s got this vibe that reminds me of fika with one of those mystic types who thinks there’s something spiritual in the semla. Cusick’s performance is both grounded and somewhat otherworldly, but at times, a bit like someone who lost their GPS signal on their way to enlightenment.

A Nostalgic Detour Through My Own Faith Journey

Watching this film took me back to a winter week in Östermalm, around the 90s, when my aunt dragged me kicking and screaming to see a live nativity play. It was cold, the actors fumbled lines, but there was magic in the imperfection. Much like this film, I felt a similar blend of awkward reverence and occasional disconnect.

Glitches in the Divine Transmission?

Saville takes a daring approach adhering so closely to the original text. But, dare I say, it risks alienating folks who aren’t well-versed in these stories, y’know what I mean? The whole thing could feel, I dunno, like attending a lecture at Uppsala without the fika breaks.

The film sounds like a high temple silence punctuated by Plummer’s silky voice. But it’s a bit less thrilling than the symphony of a bustling Stockholm corral.

In a nutshell, “The Gospel of John” is like heading to a quaint, old kirka with a dodgy heater – charming in its sincerity yet occasionally frustrating in its rigidity. Give it a watch, especially if you’re into exploring your spiritual side with a pinch of cinematic flare.

Check the trailer below