The Body ** (2001, Antonio Banderas, Olivia Williams, John Shrapnel, Derek Jacobi, Jason Flemyng, John Wood) – Classic Movie Review 5721

Antonio Banderas stars as Roman Catholic priest Father Matt Gutierrez, who is sent to investigate when Christ’s crucified remains are apparently discovered in a Jerusalem cave, in writer-director Jonas McCord’s moderately exciting and compelling 2001 religious thriller. McCord’s screenplay is based on the novel by Richard Ben Sapir.

The film gets a considerable boost from a smart-looking, posh production (score by Serge Colbert and designs by Allan Starski) with marvellously atmospheric cinematography from world-class director of photography Vilmos Zsigmond.

Banderas leads a group of performances that are conscientious rather than inspired.

It co-stars Olivia Williams, John Shrapnel, Derek Jacobi, Jason Flemyng, John Wood, Makram J Khoury, Vernon Dobtcheff and Ian McNeice.

Universal, who were to distribute it with Liam Neeson as star, dropped it over worries about the film’s religious themes.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5721

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