MovieChat Forums > Jesus of Nazareth (1977) Discussion > Best performance of supporting cast

Best performance of supporting cast

posted 8 years ago by TerryRome01
11 replies | jump to latest

Apart from Robert of course, who do you think gave the best performance? My vote goes to Anne Bancroft! In her superbly rich career this is another stand out!

[–] Clusium 8 years ago

Yes, Anne Bancroft was really good as St. Mary Magdalene.

Olivia was the perfect choice to play the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Who are you? Who? Who? Who? Who?

[–] TerryRome01 8 years ago

She was, absolutely. That angelic face! She has a certain innocence about her that comes through. The reason why I didn't list her though because the role of The Blessed Mother is not exactly big (like in the Bible), therefore it doesn't provide the actress the same challenge as that of Mary Magdalene.

[–] Clusium 8 years ago

The actress who played Herodias was pretty good too.

Who are you? Who? Who? Who? Who?

[–] kanetoshindo 8 years ago

Rod Steiger. He was one of the best actor ever (the best Napoleon, Mussolini and Pilate) and this performance is my favorite of him.
Second: James Farentino, third: Ian Holm

[–] Maya55555 8 years ago

James Farentino was PERFECT, in every way.

"A stitch in time, saves your embarrassment." (RIP Ms. Penny LoBello)

[–] TerryRome01 8 years ago

Yes he was a great Peter.

[–] angmc43 8 years ago

Indeed, Hussey (the annunciation), Farentino (his scenes at the prodigal son, his crucifixion freakout), Holm ("It all begins..."), and Steiger made their impressions to me.

My additions:
Cyril Cusack's Rabbi- his scene with Joseph about Mary's pregnancy.
Yorgo Voyagis' Joseph- although saddled by dubbing, he is probably my favorite Joseph.
Marina Marti's Elizabeth- Brief, but memorable when she sees Mary and puts two and two together.
Peter Ustinov's Herod- at first hammy and comical, and then turning serious and insane when he orders the Bethlehem massacre. Love his monologue.
Ralph Richardson's Simeon- I like his reaction when he hears Jesus' cry. And then his comment about Rama after the slaughter of the Innocents.
Laurence Olivier's Nicodemus- his soliloquy at the crucifixion.

[–] Clusium 8 years ago

All good actor choices. But, you forgot the most important of all:

Robert Powell's Jesus-he really brought out Our Lord's Deity, with his acting. 

Who are you? Who? Who? Who? Who?

[–] angmc43 8 years ago

Well, we are only following the thread's title.

[–] !!!deleted!!! (2212087) 8 years ago

I completely agree with you. He gave a perfectly balanced performance and was completely believable as St Peter, making him into a fully fleshed character.

[–] bastasch8647 8 years ago

Ernest Borgnine as the centurion - no pun intended, but his performance was very sincere and "earnest".