Barabbas (1961)

Director: Richard Fleischer
Starring: Anthony Quinn, Silvana Mangano, Arthur Kennedy

Synopsis:
The robber Barabbas is haunted by the shadow of the man who died in his place.

Impressions:
I was intrigued by the prospect of a story about Barabbas and there is perhaps no better person to portray him than Anthony Quinn, who has a talent for playing thuggish yet layered characters. It's interesting watching Barabbas go through his life, largely unrepentant and steadfast in his disbelief even as he is tormented throughout all his trials and tribulations. I have to say that it's awesome that they timed the filming for an actual eclipse during the Crucifixion and the sulfur mine Barabbas is condemned to is one of the starkest visions of Hell on earth that I've seen. There's even an obligatory gladiator sequence which features Jack Palance as the brutal Torvald. It's a fascinating film and I highly recommend giving it a watch.

Rating:
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