Phil Mercer

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Film - The Nativity Story

 

The Nativity Story is directed by Catherine Hardwicke and stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary.

This is one of those films that does exactly what it says on the tin. I think we all know the story of Mary and Joseph, the immaculate conception, "No room at the Inn" the Shepherds and the Wise Men. My problem is the film adds nothing to this. It really is just a dramatic presentation of well known tale. It does have good cinematography and the casting is very credible. In fact I'm sure plenty of time must have been spent in art galleries as some of the scenes look straight out of a Titian painting. It just lacks anything special.

Now I'm not suggesting that they should have done something bizarre like have Gabriel turn up on a Harley. But surely it would have been possible to give us something to get our teeth in to. There was only a little bit of background building... a little bit on Mary and Josephs life before marriage, a few scenes building up the Wise Men and some time trying to make Herod look like a truly nasty man. Just not enough really.

They did at least acknowledge the trouble Mary found herself in as a pregnant lady, in the first year of her marriage, having not done the deed with her husband. This could have become an interesting moment in the film. However, it just takes a dream for Joseph to see everything in perspective! I wonder how many of us would have done the same!

This will be very useful for churches wanting to illustrate the Christmas story to its young members. As a cinematic event, it is very much a waste of time.

I don't think I give anything away in saying that it ends with a baby being born!

http://www.thenativitystory.com/

Labels: Film

# posted by Phil @ 2:17 pm

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