PAUL OF TARSUS

Spain, 2009, 100 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Pablo Moreno.

Paul of Tarsus is a reverent, rather conventional presentation of an overview of the life and work of St Paul. Paul had appeared in various films including Peter and Paul with Anthony Hopkins playing Paul.

The film opens with Paul in prison, has flashbacks to stories from the Acts of the Apostles, especially the stoning of Stephen. Paul appears as a harsh man, in the employ of the religious authorities. The film naturally shows his conversion, going to Damascus, his becoming a disciple as well as meeting Peter and other apostles. The film moves fairly swiftly, gives some indication of the travels of Paul, the controversies, his preaching, writing his letters. Ultimately, he is arrested, appeals to Rome and is imprisoned there. The film culminates with his death by beheading.

The film looks like European art images, the performances are somewhat stolid, the film a reverent rather than insightful look at the apostle.

1.Audience interest in St Paul? His conversion, his preaching, his letters, his martyrdom? His status in the church?

2.A Spanish production, the Spanish locations? Standing in for Israel, Syria? The re-creation of Rome – and the artificial sets, especially at the end with the Colosseum? The impact of the makeup – photographed not well? The musical score?

3.The character of Paul, as younger, as older? His appearance, manner?

4.Paul and his participation in the killing of Stephen, the stoning of Stephen, his holding the clothes? The authorities? Their relying on him? A Zealot?

5.The journey to Damascus, his experience, the voice, Jesus, conversion? Going to Damascus? Blind, Ananias? His time away from people, reflection? The mystical touch?

6.The mysterious old man who confronted Paul after the death of Stephen, who looks into Paul’s soul? Who appears at the time of Paul’s death? Passing through the crowd (as the demon did in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ)?

7.The overview of Paul’s journeys, his meeting with other apostles, with Mark, the travels, the glimpse of his writing?

8.Paul’s arrest, the background of the governor, his appearance, the appeal to Rome? Appearing in Rome, the Emperor Nero? Meeting Peter?

9.The flashback to the crucifixion? His own death, dignity, martyrdom?

10.How helpful for audiences wanting an introduction to the life and work of St Paul?