10 'Alternative' Christmas Films That Still Employ Classic Festive Themes

8. An Alternative Story Of Our Saviour Jesus Christ: Life Of Brian

If you're looking for something quite different in your tale of the Messiah, then maybe Monty Python is your film tipple of choice. Poor Brian, born to the most brash, teeth-clenching mother in history in a stable next door to the son of God; he spends his life being mistaken for the messiah. It starts with the arrival of the three wise men: "Well, what are you doing creeping around a cow shed at two o'clock in the morning? That doesn't sound very wise to me." his mother asks. (And she's possibly right). It doesn't end there. Brian follows a similar path to the son of god. Proclaimed by prophets. Fighting for freedom for persecution. And rather unfortunately, ending up crucified on the cross. (See also alternative Easter films...). This is the Python team at their very best. I'm sure it wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Hence the tag line. (A motion picture destined to offend nearly two thirds of the civilized world. And severely annoy the other third). But it has so many great moments. "Crucifixion? Yes. Good. Out of the door, line on the left, one cross each.", "Stwike him, Centuwion. Stwike him vewy wuffly!" "Oh, it's blessed are the MEEK! Oh, I'm glad they're getting something, they have a hell of a time." And so many plays on Roman names (Biggus Dickus. Naughtius Maximus. Incontinentia Buttocks). It's a wonderful mix of satire, bizarre and puerile humour that Monty Python does best. Still there's always hope. And that is something Brian has by the bucket load. Though of course, Brian isn't the saviour of mankind. As his mother rather succinctly puts it "He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy! Now, piss off!"