Principal cast
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Terry Jones
Film 437 of 498 on the Screen Path
Life of Brian
He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.
About the film
Life of Brian at a glance.
Screen Path places this 1979 film at stop 437 in one curated journey through cinema. The learning experience adds context before you watch and deeper analysis after.
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.
Key craft credits
Peter Biziou (director of photography), Julian Doyle (editor), Geoffrey Burgon (original music composer), Eric Idle (screenplay) and Graham Chapman (screenplay)
- Director
- Terry Jones
- Release
- 1979-08-17
- Runtime
- 94 minutes
- Genres
- Comedy
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Quiz
- 15 questions
The Screen Path journey
Before. After. Remember.
The featured film is watched outside Screen Path. The app provides the learning experience around it: a guide, an analysis, and a quiz with explanations.
01
Before you watch
Start with a spoiler-free video guide to the context and filmmaking choices worth noticing.
Spoiler-free02
After the film
Return after watching for a deeper video analysis of craft, meaning, and legacy.
Contains spoilers03
Quiz yourself
Answer 15 questions with clear rationales designed to make the ideas stick.
15 questions in this journeyCitizen Kane is the complete public example: both learning videos and a five-question sample quiz are available below.
Start the example →Full cast
Full cast
- Graham ChapmanCharacter: Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
- John CleeseCharacter: Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
- Terry GilliamCharacter: Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
- Eric IdleCharacter: Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
- Terry JonesCharacter: Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
- Michael PalinCharacter: Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
- Terence BaylerCharacter: Gregory
- Carol ClevelandCharacter: Mrs. Gregory
- Kenneth ColleyCharacter: Jesus
- Neil InnesCharacter: A Weedy Samaritan
- Charles McKeownCharacter: False Prophet / Blind Man / Giggling Guard / Stig
- John YoungCharacter: Matthias, Son of Deuteronomy of Gath
Full crew
Full crew
- Terry JonesCredits: Screenplay, Director
- Roger ChristianCredits: Art Direction
- Charles KnodeCredits: Costume Design
- Terry GilliamCredits: Screenplay, Production Design, Animation
- John CleeseCredits: Screenplay
- Kent HoustonCredits: Visual Effects
- Tony OrtonCredits: Sound Effects Editor
- John GoldstoneCredits: Producer
- Julian DoyleCredits: Editor
- Geoffrey BurgonCredits: Original Music Composer
- Hazel PethigCredits: Costume Design
- Kenteas BrineCredits: Makeup Artist, Hairstylist
- Graham ChapmanCredits: Screenplay
- Peter BiziouCredits: Director of Photography
- Eric IdleCredits: Screenplay
- Michael PalinCredits: Screenplay
- Denis O'BrienCredits: Executive Producer
- Tim HamptonCredits: Associate Producer
- George HarrisonCredits: Executive Producer
- Tarak Ben AmmarCredits: Executive Producer
- Mohammed AzounadheaCredits: Assistant Art Director
- Peter ThompsonCredits: Public Relations
- Roy RodhouseCredits: Electrician
- Rodney GlennCredits: First Assistant Editor
- John StanierCredits: Camera Operator
- Hassen SoufiCredits: Set Dressing Artist
- Sadok Ben AmorCredits: Grip
- Garth MarshallCredits: Sound Recordist
- Jonathan BensonCredits: First Assistant Director
- Ron SwinburneCredits: Production Accountant
- Ken LintottCredits: Wigmaker
- Alan AnnandCredits: Loader
- John SpottiswoodCredits: Scenic Artist
- John FosterCredits: Sound
- Faouzia ChouraCredits: Hairstylist, Makeup Artist
- Fatma JaziriCredits: Makeup Artist, Hairstylist
- Sue IgnatiusCredits: Makeup Artist, Hairstylist
- Elaine CarewCredits: Makeup & Hair
- Maggie WestonCredits: Makeup Artist, Hairstylist
- Lotfi ThabetCredits: Assistant Director
- Benamar HamidaCredits: Assistant Director
- Slim MzaliCredits: Assistant Director
- Diana WebberCredits: Hairstylist, Makeup Artist
- Brian SmithCredits: Electrician
- David ApplebyCredits: Still Photographer
- Brenda LoaderCredits: Continuity
- Jennie RaglanCredits: Production Assistant
- Matthew BinnsCredits: Third Assistant Director
- Philip ChubbCredits: Assistant Sound Engineer
- Marcus DodsCredits: Conductor
- Hilary SandisonCredits: Producer's Assistant
- Melvin LindCredits: Second Assistant Director
- Bob CuffCredits: Matte Painter
- Ridha TurkiCredits: Accountant
- Christina BiziouCredits: Location Assistant
- David WattsCredits: Dolby Consultant
Film data and images provided by TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.