Cast
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Harry Andrews
as Yohanan the Baptist
Hugh Griffith
as Caiaphas
Zalman King
as Yeshua of Nazareth
Donald Pleasence
as Pontius Pilate
Scott Wilson
as Judah
Daniel Ades
as Andros
Michael Baseleon
as Mattai
Lewis van Bergen
as Yoram
William Paul Burns
as Shimon
Dan Hedaya
as Yaacov
Helena Kallianiotes
as A Visionary Woman
Kevin O'Connor
as Irijah
Robert Walker Jr.
as Bar Talmi
William Watson
as Roman Captain
Crew
Director
- Michael Campus
Producer
- Wolf Schmidt
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Passover Plot examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Michael Campus brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Passover Plot took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2307 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Passover Plot shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ero in guerra ma non lo sapevo, which focuses more on action than character development, The Passover Plot offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Loving Pablo and Landscape with Invisible Hand explore similar territory, The Passover Plot stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 29, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 48m
