MovieChat Forums > The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) Discussion > In the context of this film, why did Jud...

In the context of this film, why did Judas betray Jesus ?

posted 9 years ago by shipagan
9 replies | jump to latest

Ok, don't laugh at me!

I just watched the movie during Christmas time.

Usually, it is established that Judas betrayed Jesus for the money. Other times, for political reasons : Jesus not being extreme enough for him.

In this specific film, Judas is almost likable - but still quite intense.
Even when he betrays Jesus, he states how much he admires and loves him. He ask them not to hurt him.
After he gets the 30 denaris, he seems all astonished and says he doesn't want the money.

What was his deal in this specific version of the Passion?

By the way, I quite like David McCallum in the interpretation.

[–] MaggieMarlowe 9 years ago

No laughing here. I've never been clear on his motivation in this movie. He doesn't seem to be entirely sure, either.

I agree that McCallum was very good.

[–] shipagan 9 years ago

Thank you Maggie! :-)

[–] MaggieMarlowe 9 years ago

I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one a bit puzzled by that.

[–] buttsronc 9 years ago

I think it is just sloppy writing or possible editing. My problem with the movie is that at times it doesn't tell a story. It shows us scenes from the gospels like they are pictures in a Sunday school book for children. We see Judas looking like he doesn't believe 100 percent but his betrayal comes out of left field. It is as if the director said "okay let's put the betrayal scene in here".

[–] shipagan 9 years ago

I agree about the picturesque, static aspect of the film.

[–] bastasch8647 9 years ago

Perhaps they wanted to hint that Judas was a little "touched in the head" (or in the heart). His motivation is obscure, but the film does hint that Satan/Donald Pleasence is sort of observing Judas, if not dogging his steps. Strangely, though, I am always wiped out by McCallum's performance in the betrayal scene. It's as if his cloudy motives make the pathos of his tenderly delivered betrayal that much more poignant.

[–] shipagan 9 years ago

"Touched in the head or in the heart" is well put.

And I have to agree, there is something poignant and powerful in the betrayal scene, even though the film is a bit static.

[–] bastasch8647 9 years ago

Thanks... yes, the film is indeed static with punctuated zaps of liveliness like the betrayal scene, Lazarus' resurrection and a few others ... a very low key, "quiet" production, especially in contrast to "big" films like King of Kings and Ben-Hur...

[–] SuperfluousPapilla 9 years ago

It's an interesting question. Personally, I feel that Judas' motivation is jealousy. This film probably captures the true sentiment of Judas better than any other adaptation of the life of Jesus. Judas does not have a concrete reason for betraying his mater, but we know that the Devil inspires him, plays with his pride (which we see in his humiliation at not knowing how to answer Christ's question, "Who do men say that I am?"), and moves him to some sort of perverse envy (which we see quite clearly displayed when Christ raises Lazarus). David McCallum is perfect in the role, and George Stevens, always subtly, brings out a character motivation that is as dynamic and mysterious as that of the historical figure. Some films show Judas misunderstanding Jesus, some films show him disappointed that Jesus is not the warlord whom the Zealots were expecting, but this film shows the deeply nuanced and psychological journey of Judas, guided by the Devil, which fits seamlessly and does justice to the Gospel account.