Review of The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) by Jason M — 19 Mar 2013

This is a beautifully photographed movie, that's the best I can say about it. The acting is mediocre except for a few exceptions, I did like Charlton Heston as John the Baptist unlike some other people. The narrative skips all over the place. Too many big time actors with tiny rolls, like the 10 second appearance of John Wayne as the centurion.

The movie was mostly filmed in Utah, is looks nothing like Israel, with the snow capped mountains in the distance. Von Sydow does okay as Jesus, and looks the part.

This is a sincere attempt by the the director, but it often seems empty, with little emotion. I much prefer Jesus of Nazareth, which I think was the best movie of the life of Jesus.