Jesus of Nazareth: Part Three

Director Franco Zeffirelli speaking about his contribution to 'Jesus of Nazareth' "Jesus of Nazareth is not a story where one can throw in too much personal conjecture or bring too much fantasy and imagination. Of course, it's obvious that any author or director, whether he is mediocre, modest or a genius ends up giving a personal point of view just through his very reaction and sensitivity to the material at hand. How he treats it and what he selects reflects his opinions. This unavoidable - but what I have tried to do in 'Jesus of Nazareth' is to put myself in a position of absolute objectivity and I have even depersonalised myself in order to ensure a work which is not just for my taste but which will be acceptable and understood by everyone. All the more so since 'Jesus of Nazareth' is destined for a vast audience around the world. I think it would be in bad taste and out of place to give a personal interpretation. The main problem was to present the material in as honest a way as possible, while hoping at the same time not to commit any irreparable errors'. © ITC