Eric Idle Compares The Passion to Life of Brian

By Unknown April 26, 2004 11:02 AM

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Eric Idle has compared his crucifixion in Monty Python's The Life of Brian (he's credited as a "crucifee") with the latest one in The Passion of the Christ and has found his own infinitely superior. Writing in Sunday's Los Angeles Times, Idle commented that although he hasn't seen the Mel Gibson film, "I gather that Mel doesn't handle the comedy too well, and he seems to totally ignore the singing opportunities of the crucifixion altogether.

I suppose we should be grateful he makes a film where for once the Brits aren't to blame for everything." Idle indicated that both films owe their existence to the single-minded vision of one man, in Brian's case, the late former Beatle, George Harrison, who Idle disclosed, "mortgaged his home and put up all the money because, he said, 'he wanted to see the movie.' At $4 million, this is still the most anyone has ever paid for a movie ticket." Idle also credited Gibson for resurrecting Brian, "thanks to [the success of] his holy snuff film." The Life of Brian is due to reopen in limited release on April 30.