I Can Only Imagine surprised everyone, from critics, movie fans, to the film’s creators themselves. Competing with A Wrinkle In Time, Game Night, and Love, Simon, the film opened with a $17 million box office performance. Haven’t heard of this movie? That’s because faith-based films typically don’t get the press tours and ad campaigns that mainstream Hollywood productions do. I Can Only Imagine was produced by Pure Flix, a distributor of numerous spiritual films, including the God’s Not Dead movies.
In case you haven’t noticed, films centered around faith and religion are not as popular as mainstream films, even ones that bomb at the box office. This has not always been the case. I previously wrote about the religious yesteryear in Hollywood, where Biblical epics were frequent (and profitable) releases. So I’ve chosen to write about another faith-based film for Easter this year. I almost picked The Robe last year, but was swayed by Anthony Quinn starring in Barabbas. So I returned to The Robe and watched it before the holiday.
The Robe is focused on the story of a Roman military tribune named Marcellus, played by Richard Burton (and quite possibly the inspiration for George Clooney’s character in Hail, Casesar!). Marcellus is in charge of the unit that is charged with the crucifixion of Jesus. He ends up bidding in a slave market for a Greek slave named Demetrius, played by Victor Mature. They transfer to Palestine where Marcellus released Demetrius, while Diana, a warden of the emperor Tiberuius, arrives and professes her love for Marcellus.
Marcellus finds himself riding in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus’ entry into the city. Demetrius is present as well and locks eyes with Jesus and feels that he must follow Him. Once Jesus is arrested and condemned by Pontius Pilate, Marcellus is tasked with heading up the crucifixion. He even wins Jesus’ robe in a dice game–a token of his first crucifixion. As he covers himself in the rain with the robe, he feels a strong guilt for what he has just done. While this is happening, Demetrius is slowly converting to Christianity, angering those around him. I won’t spoil the rest of the film, but it goes on to deal with Marcellus’ and Demtrius’ journey as they process what they witnessed and their internal struggles with it. And the final shot is bold, a gesture towards unabashed belief and triumph. Jesus’ robe serves as a reminder of the man that wore it and what His purpose was.
I was instantly struck by the efforts the film takes to tell this story in a historical place. The opening voice over details the government’s role in the area and what society was like, firmly rooting itself. It details the social hierarchy and the relationships between members of different families and social castes. It should be noted, however, they inaccurately refer to Judea as Palestine. Judea came to be called Palestine in 135 AD, long after Marcellus and Demetrius were sent there. I digress.
The character of Marcellus is a complex one. Marcellus is developing a relationship with Diana, something that could make for a movie in and of itself. He’s also dealing with his slave, who is determined to become a follower of Jesus, something Marcellus can’t easily ignore. Ultimately, he is torn between loyalty to his empire and national identity, and his conscience, which he finds will not rest until he comes to terms with the events he has been a part of. This is heightened when he meets the disciples that are traveling and preaching. Richard Burton was nominated for an Oscar for his performance
The themes and symbols around faith and religion are everywhere in this film. Marcellus’ own father commands hime to be a Roman and take “nothing on faith.” Pilate washes his hands, forgets he washed them, and wants to wash them once more. And all of this is accompanied by gorgeous set pieces; lush painted backdrops with elaborate constructions. The studio didn’t shirk from spending big bucks on this one, a move that paid off with an Academy Award in art direction and one in costume design. In fact, this was the first movie filmed in Cinemascope, a widescreen filming format. Movies these days that pioneer new technology are usually sci-fi blockbusters or superhero movies. Back then, the new tech was pioneered on The Robe.
The Robe is a classic Biblical epic in every sense. There’s some romance, some adventure, wonderful sets, and most importantly, questions regarding faith and spirituality centered on Jesus, who we only see the back of. The camera chooses to settle on those who are beholding Jesus instead of His face. The Robe is a worthwhile watch. Characters posses nuance, the plot isn’t as straightforward as one might expect, and like I said, it’s a gorgeous film to look at. If you’re looking for a break from the Cecil B. Demille films (which are spectacular), you may have found it in The Robe.
