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.
Life of Brian
“He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.”
Overview
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.
Director
Terry Jones
Budget
4.0M
Revenue
20.8M
Status
Released
Production
Handmade Films, Python (Monty) Pictures
Cast
Graham Chapman
Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
John Cleese
Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
Terry Gilliam
Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
Eric Idle
Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
Terry Jones
Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
Michael Palin
Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
Terence Bayler
Gregory
Carol Cleveland
Mrs. Gregory
Kenneth Colley
Jesus
Neil Innes
A Weedy Samaritan
Charles McKeown
False Prophet / Blind Man / Giggling Guard / Stig
John Young
Matthias, Son of Deuteronomy of Gath
Gwen Taylor
Mrs. Big Nose
Sue Jones-Davies
Judith Iscariot
Peter Brett
John Case
Pilate's Wife
Chris Langham
Alfonso / Giggling Guard
Andrew MacLachlan
Another Official Stoners Helper / Giggling Guard
Bernard McKenna
Parvus / Official Stoners Helper / Giggling Guard
Spike Milligan
Spike
George Harrison
Mr. Papadopolous (uncredited)
Charles Knode
Passer-by (uncredited)
Video Gallery
The New York Times Critics' Picks
Life of Brian ≣ 1979 ≣ Trailer ≣ Remastered
