The Character of Judah Ben-Hur in the Film “Ben-Hur” by William Wyler

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Table of Contents

Introduction
First Encounter of Judah and Jesus
Second Encounter of Judah and Jesus
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

There are many films that depict an influence of a significant figure on the society through the lives of other people. These pictures often tell a better story than simple biographies, because they are able to show the audience a broader picture and a give closer look at the influencer and the people, who are influenced. This approach is used in the film Ben-Hur, directed by Wyler in 1959. This movie follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur and his journey of vengeance and acceptance. The primary conflict of the main character is created by his origin and environment, as Judah is a Jew that has to live in a land occupied by Romans. The topic of religion runs through every action and scene of the film, showing the rise of the new religion, Christianity. In the movie Ben-Hur, Wyler depicts the establishment of Christianity through the process of two separated worlds colliding in a life of Judah Ben-Hur.

First Encounter of Judah and Jesus

The protagonist’s relationship with religion is a recurring theme in the movie and can be described with a number of scenes. At the beginning of the film, Judah is depicted as a man who values peace more than freedom, as he does not openly protest to the Roman invasion. However, he loves his people and Judea, because, in the dialog with his old Roman friend, Messala, he expresses his true feelings towards the Empire and refuses to cooperate with Romans to find the rebels (Wyler). These scenes show that although Judah has not encountered the new religion yet, he is a man, who can open up to it. The next significant moment in the film and the protagonist’s life is the first encounter of Judah and Jesus. It should be noted, that during this scene, Judah asks God for help and Jesus comes to fulfill his plea in the moment of need. The audience does not see the face of Jesus but sees the faces of the people around him. By concentrating on the emotions of other people, Wyler shows that Jesus has already influenced the people around him and continues to do so with his kind deeds. The protagonist does not reflect on this moment in the beginning, although one could argue that it changed him.

Second Encounter of Judah and Jesus

After saving a Roman Council, Arrius, Judah accepts a new identity of a Roman man, although he retains his connection to Jewish culture. He becomes a fusion of the two conflicting worlds. However, Judah is restless. He is moved by vengeance through the course of the film. Only near the end, when he sees the death of Messala, Judah understands that he does not see an enemy in his old friend and that his feelings of anger and hate are directed at the corruptive nature of Rome (Wyler). Judah is still moved by these emotions before his second encounter with Jesus. During these moments, the protagonist shows compassion towards the man that once saved his life. This scene reveals that the teachings of Jesus affected Judah, which can be compared to the influence of Christianity on the people. Moreover, he is not the only person to be changed by Jesus, as the audience can see a crowd following the trial of Jesus and asking the judges for mercy. The lives of many individuals and groups were visibly impacted by the new teachings of love and forgiveness. Judah’s behavior in this scene is a good example of that. These moments can be interpreted as a depiction of Jews and Romans responding to a new way of thinking and a prefiguration of Christianity as an influential religion for these people.

Conclusion

Wyler uses various devices and themes throughout the film Ben-Hur. The subject of religion does not reveal itself right away, gradually becoming more apparent as it evolves with the characters of the movie. The topic of Christianity as a new religion is seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Judah Ben-Hur, who encompasses the conflicting cultures of Judea and Rome. Wyler uses a single man’s storyline to show a bigger picture. The journey of Judah allows the audience to see both cultures and their relationship in the world, as well as draw parallels between the fusion of cultures in Judah and the union of these two cultures in Christianity. The scenes, where Judah interacts with Jesus, Messala or Arrius are most notable for this comparison because they are focused on the two points: protagonist’s culture and actions. The comparison between Judah’s complex nature and the collision of two worlds before the rise of Christianity can be made with the use of the separate scenes as well as with the movie itself.

Work Cited

Wyler, William, director. Ben-Hur. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1959

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The Character of Judah Ben-Hur in the Film “Ben-Hur” by William Wyler

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