Saturday, July 30, 2016

The Robe (1953): Ancient Rome and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ


     Directed by Henry Koster, based on the novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, The Robe (1953) was the first film to be made in the revolutionary CinemaScope format. The story is mostly set in the Roman province of Judea during the 1st Century, where Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio is ordered to crucify Jesus of Nazareth but is afterwards tormented by his guilty conscience and a newfound faith. The passion of Jesus Christ is only dealt with briefly, with much of the focus being placed on viewpoints in hindsight. The dramatic story plays out well against the staged backdrop. Historical accuracy is put aside for the sake of grand entertainment. The cast does a wonderful job, including Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature and Michael Rennie.



The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Macedonian Slave Girl Twins

The Robe: Richard Burton and Caligula

The Robe: Victor Mature

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Caligula

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Jesus Christ carrying the cross

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Victor Mature

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Caligula

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton and Caligula

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

Sahara (2005): Matthew McConaughey, Penelope Cruz and Civil War Treasure


     Directed by Breck Eisner, based on the novel by Clive Cussler, Sahara (2005) opened at #1 at the box office in the United States. The story follows master explorer Dirk Pitt as he seeks a lost Civil War battleship known as the "Ship of Death" in the deserts of West Africa, while helping a World Health Organization (WHO) doctor battle a ruthless dictator and find the source of an epidemic. The production's big-budget is apparent in the fast-paced action, dramatic chases and explosions. Historical and archaeological accuracy is placed to the side in favor of pure entertainment. The cast does a good job all-around, including Matthew McConaughey, Penelope Cruz, Steve Zahn and William H. Macy.

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey

Sahara: William H. Macy

Sahara: Ancient Coins

Sahara: Penelope Cruz and William H. Macy

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Civil War Gold Treasure

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Civil War Gold Treasure

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz

Sahara: Penelope Cruz