Production Jesus of Montreal

1 production

1.1 development
1.2 casting
1.3 filming

production
development

director denys arcand conceived of story jesus of montreal after meeting actor playing jesus, , wrote screenplay.

the idea film came director denys arcand after actor apologized appearing beard @ audition @ montreal conservatory, saying m sorry, m jesus. actor explained had role of jesus in passion play @ saint joseph s oratory. arcand went see play , recalls, saw actors in mediocre production received shouted applause tourists. decided had make film. actor spoke arcand difficulties , friends had in acting profession, taking undesirable roles in tv advertisements , pornographic films.

as lapsed catholic , self-proclaimed atheist, arcand did not envision jesus of montreal religious film, adding, in film, story of passion metaphor of artist , struggles , temptations. spent year in 1987 writing screenplay. film made on budget of $4.2 million, arcand saying got blank check after success decline of american empire (1986). budget unusually large quebec film.

casting

arcand saw actress johanne-marie tremblay in straight heart (1988) , cast constance, 1 of daniel s actresses takes him in live her. reprised role constance in arcand s later films barbarian invasions (2003) , days of darkness (2007).

robert lepage, played rené, 1 of daniel s disciples , playwright , said aside tv , student films, jesus of montreal first major acting role. said screenplay complete , detailed, leaving less room improvisation expected.

filming

saint joseph s oratory did not grant permission film shot inside, though of film shot near it.

the film shot mobile cameras on location in montreal, has many churches against skyline , has been center of catholicism since beginnings . arcand stated shot montreal distance or air represent god viewing city.

he claimed while french canadian churches in montreal denied permission shoot inside buildings, english language catholic church allowed crew use space. said because although church members asked see screenplay, didn t speak french , needed money rental. scenes shot near saint joseph s oratory. substantial amount of theatrical blood required passion play scenes.