Roma Downey on the Challenges of Portraying Christ’s Crucifixion on the Big Screen
By Movieguide® Staff
RESURRECTION producer Roma Downey recently discussed the unique challenges of portraying Christ’s crucifixion in Hollywood.
Downey—who is no stranger to biblically based content with series like THE BIBLE and feature-length projects like SON OF GOD—tackled Christ’s death and resurrection for the third time in her 2021 movie, RESURRECTION.
“I actually have filmed as a producer three crucifixions, two resurrections,” Downey said on a recent episode of The Pure Flix Podcast. “I don’t know any other producers … that have done that.”
The TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL actress said that the rich subject and “greatest story ever told,” is not an easy feat to capture on-screen.
“There were certain challenges you can imagine in the filming of a crucifixion scene, starting simply with the demand of safety,” she said. “Because we have to bolt a cross to the ground, we have to make sure it’s secure.
“The logistical challenges of that are many, to say the least,” she added. “While it’s just an actor and it’s pretend, it’s very emotional and a disturbing series of scenes to have to put together and film. But thankfully, for us, in our faith, we know that it wasn’t just nails that held Jesus to the cross — it was love, and on the third day, He rose.”
Downey previously opened up to Movieguide® about the power of the resurrection:
When fear and uncertainty are commonplace responses to the world, Downey noted that the resurrection replaces that with courage.
“The hope and promise of this resurrection is that we don’t have to be afraid,” Downey said. “I can’t help but think that during this time of COVID, when we were locked down, and we were all kind of hiding in our houses, and our houses almost became like, tombs, and we were buried in our own tombs. And now we’re just praying for the symbolism of resurrection in our own lives.”
She continued: “It’s always our hope that believers will come and see the movie on Discovery+, but there’s also the opportunity, maybe the people that don’t know anything about Jesus, that don’t know anything about the story will come and just tuned in, because it’s a good movie. We’re just praying for hearts to be transformed this Easter.”
Downey also recognized the importance of showing children entertainment that reflects biblical values.
“We all want to see shows that reflect the values that we believe, that we teach into our kids,” Downey said. “I really hope that people will come in and subscribe and enjoy the movie together with their family.”
RESURRECTION was nominated for this year’s Movieguide® Epiphany Prizes® for Television.
A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:
RESURRECTION is an entertaining movie version of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, streaming on Discovery+. The movie starts with a visualization of Roman power in Jerusalem. Quickly, it moves to Jesus’ arrest, Caiaphas asking Jesus if He’s the Messiah, and Jesus responding, “I am.” Jesus is crucified, Peter denies Jesus, and the apostles wonder what to do next. After three days, Mary Magdalen goes to the tomb and finds it empty. Mary reports to the apostles she’s actually seen Jesus alive, but they don’t believe her. They soon discover the truth for themselves.
MOVIEGUIDE® commends the filmmakers of RESURRECTION for making a fresh version of the Passion and the Resurrection. They’ve done a good job of making it entertaining and exciting, while keeping close to the Gospel story. There could be criticism of what they left out or the way they portray the apostles. However, any time you make a movie from a historical document, you have to make tough choices to make the story entertaining. MOVIEGUIDE® recommends RESURRECTION for its biblically faithful, dramatic presentation of the greatest story ever told.
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