Review Questions for Jésus de Montréal:
 

First read the links on the class web page on this film. Then focus on one of the following questions:

1. Why does the film use the story of Jesus to explore contemporary issues? What does the film say about the malaise of contemporary culture in general and specifically in Canada?

2. Examine the film’s self-reflexivity and the different levels of performance-within-the performance. Some questions to be addressed include:  art vs. life,  artistic integrity vs. commodification and commercialiation of art, artistic freedom, conditions of cultural production and censorship.

3. Explore the parallels between the story of Jesus and the story of Daniel Coulombe. Focus on a particular aspect of the biblical story and how it is retold in a contemporary context. What is its significance?

4. Discuss the settings of the film and the use of the urban spaces of Montreal. What is the relevance of the subway, the hospitals, the shrine, the theatre, and the street scenes in the story?

5. What aspects of the mise-en scene contribute to the dramatic effect of the film?