Mary - A Film by Abel Ferrara
The always provocative Ferrara continues to challenge propriety with his new film Mary. In this post-Da Vinci Code and Passion of the Christ world, where the separation of church and cinema has become porous, Ferrara's latest film is a particularly defiant work. Tony Childress (Matthew Modine) has finished his movie on the Resurrection starring himself as Jesus and Marie Palesi (Juliette Binoche) as Mary Magdalene. The experience has had a profound effect upon Marie, and feeling drained and replete after her role, she turns inward to a life of faith. In contrasting response, Tony heads back to New York to stir up controversy and business for his new release. When a TV host (Forest Whitaker), whose show focuses on the true meaning of Christ, enters the picture, Ferrara's examination of faith and entertainment takes on even greater dimensions.
Cast:
Juliette Binoche - Marie Palesi/Mary Magdalene
Matthew Modine - Tony Childress/Jesus
Forest Whitaker - Ted Younger
Heather Graham - Elizabeth Younger
Also features: Marion Cotillard, Stefania Rocca, Elaine Pagels, Jean-Yves Leloup
Written by: Abel Ferrara, Mario Isabella, Simone Lageoles
Cinematography: Stefano Falivene
Edited by: Langdon F. Page, Fabio Nunziata
Design: Frank DeCurtis
Music: Francis Kuipers
Producers: Jean Cazes, Roberto De Nigris, Frank DeCurtis, David Hausen, Thierry Klemniuk, Jean-Pierre Marois, Riccardo Neri, Lewis Saul, Fernando Sulichin
