Life of Brian
Life of Brian (1979)
“He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.”
Synopsis & Story Arc
Official Logline
Brian Cohen is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother, the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.
Complete Cast & Crew Directory
Directing & Screenplay
Cast & Characters
Graham Chapman
Graham Chapman
as Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
John Cleese
John Cleese
as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
Terry Gilliam
Terry Gilliam
as Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
Eric Idle
Eric Idle
as Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
Terry Jones
Terry Jones
as Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
Michael Palin
Michael Palin
as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
Terence Bayler
Terence Bayler
as Gregory
Carol Cleveland
Carol Cleveland
as Mrs. Gregory
Kenneth Colley
Kenneth Colley
as Jesus
Neil Innes
Neil Innes
as A Weedy Samaritan
Charles McKeown
Charles McKeown
as False Prophet / Blind Man / Giggling Guard / Stig
John Young
John Young
as Matthias, Son of Deuteronomy of GathCinematography & Large-Format Specifications
Cinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 94 min |
Behind The Scenes
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GlobalCineDB Consensus Score
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
Community Reviews & Discussions (3)
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.