Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Veni, Non Vidi, Vinci! (I Came, I was not Seen, I Went Home!)

As the latest thriller titled “Will You Get to Watch The Da Vinci Code in a Theater?” further unfurls, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has, after watching the film, wiped its hands clean of the matter (which with it had no role getting them dirty in the first place). For the record, the minister says, “As a viewer I think that the movie is ok as a work of fiction.” The final decision though will be left to the Censor Board.

This is very interesting, because it shares certain similarities with the crucifixion of Jesus himself. The Christian religious leaders in the country play the role of the Pharisees. The other Christians in the country are like the Jews -- they don’t really care about the issue, but can be easily (mis)led (read: worked up) by the people they obey. The movie itself plays the role of Jesus. (Some irony there!) The role of Pontius Pilate has now been effectively pulled off by the I&B Ministry.

Of course, a bit of biblical knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding the comparison. Here’s what happens though. The Pharisees are all upset about Jesus proclaiming that he’s the Son of God. According to them, it’s completely blasphemous because it goes against their Jewish beliefs. (If you think Jewish beliefs today are strict -- Boy! You should have lived two thousand years ago!) So the Pharisees want him dead.

They catch him and take him to their High Priest who in turn sends him to Pontius Pilate -- the Roman Governor of that part of the land. Pilate questions Jesus and finds nothing wrong with the man. However, the crowd that has gathered for the trial are unwilling to let the man go free. So Pilate says that he does not want the man’s blood on his hands and is therefore leaving him for the crowd to decide what is to be done. They wanted to crucify him and the rest, as we all know, is history. (Unless of course you prefer to believe the movie!)

Now match the characters and you’ll realize the comparison I’ve been yakking about. (Or not. You have to have an imagination as fertile as mine!)

11 comments:

_dirtboy said...

Dint know that u knew almost as much of the Bible as I do.. :p
like the irony there.. Wud hv liked it better if u hadn't pointed it out so explicitly

Anonymous said...

Interesting perspective

FifthBeatle said...

facesmasher - heck! i'd wager i know a fair deal more than you!

janice - when you're on weed, stuff suddenly seems to make sense..

Salil said...

Pontius Pilate famously "washed his hands off" the matter. I dont see the govt/I&B minister doing that.

_dirtboy said...

Wager or not, twas Christ who was crucified.Not th3fac3Smash3r.. So I think i'll pass.

FifthBeatle said...

salil - yup.. these guys will do it infamously

facesmasher - good! i win

Anonymous said...

nice observation i must say.
i dont know if this makes any use to u ....but the guy on the jury who was a father....is the head of xaviers institute of communications.:-)

Anonymous said...

Austin:thanks man.One more target on my list of ppl to be sniped or shot wit a magnum till they die..

_dirtboy said...

Arnie,thats coz i let u.
Anon.. U really gotta a plan or something?Coz thats been on me mind too.Guess arjun singh made it to top of the list.I could donate some,n gather some donations for a cause so noble.

Kunal said...

>>"when you're on weed, stuff suddenly seems to make sense.."

But you weren't on weed...

FifthBeatle said...

kunal - a trivial, almost insignificant matter of detail! :P