The film Mary (2018), starring Rooney Mara as Mary Magdalene, offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of a woman who has been historically misrepresented. While not a literal translation of scripture, the film is surprisingly biblically informed in its core message: it emphasizes Jesus’s radical inclusion, his rejection of societal norms, and Mary’s crucial role as a disciple and witness. The film’s deviations from traditional interpretations, particularly regarding Mary’s romantic involvement with Jesus, should be understood as artistic license used to explore deeper theological and societal themes.
Exploring the Biblical Basis of Mary
The film Mary attempts to portray Mary Magdalene not as the repentant prostitute of popular imagination, but as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a figure recently vindicated by theological scholarship and discoveries like the Gospel of Mary. This effort, while imperfect, rests on a strong foundation of biblical evidence. The New Testament mentions Mary Magdalene by name at least 12 times, more than any other female figure except Mary, the mother of Jesus. These passages identify her as a woman from Magdala who was freed from seven demons by Jesus (Luke 8:2). Crucially, she is also named as one of the first witnesses of the Resurrection (John 20:11-18), a pivotal event in Christian theology.
The film highlights the socio-political climate of Judea under Roman rule, showing Jesus’s message of love and forgiveness as a revolutionary act. This aligns well with the Gospels, which depict Jesus consistently challenging the religious establishment and advocating for the marginalized. The movie also attempts to humanize the disciples, portraying their struggles to understand Jesus’s teachings and their internal conflicts, a portrayal consistent with the often-flawed characters described in the Gospels.
However, Mary also introduces elements that are not explicitly found in the Bible, inviting further discussion. For example, the film implies a deep, almost spiritual connection between Jesus and Mary that goes beyond traditional depictions of the disciple-teacher relationship. While the Gospels depict Jesus as having close relationships with his disciples, including women, a romantic or sexual dimension is not explicitly stated. This is where the film takes artistic liberties to explore themes of female empowerment and the potential for a deeper, more egalitarian understanding of faith.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mary and the Bible
Here are some frequently asked questions about the film Mary and its relationship to the biblical narrative:
Was Mary Magdalene Really a Prostitute?
The Bible does not explicitly state that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. This association originated in a homily given by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century, where he conflated Mary Magdalene with other unnamed women in the Gospels, including a sinful woman who anoints Jesus’s feet (Luke 7:36-50). Modern biblical scholars generally reject this conflation, arguing that there is no scriptural basis for identifying Mary Magdalene as a prostitute.
What Does the Bible Say About Mary Magdalene’s Role in Jesus’s Ministry?
The Bible portrays Mary Magdalene as a loyal and devoted follower of Jesus. She is mentioned as one of the women who supported Jesus and his disciples financially (Luke 8:3). Most importantly, she is identified as the first witness of the Resurrection, tasked by Jesus himself to tell the other disciples that he had risen (John 20:11-18). This role as a primary witness is significant, as women’s testimony was often discounted in first-century Judea.
Does the Film Mary Accurately Depict the Political Context of Jesus’s Time?
The film does attempt to portray the political tensions between the Roman Empire and the Jewish people. The presence of Roman soldiers and the constant threat of violence are accurately represented. Jesus’s teachings, which challenged the existing power structures and emphasized love and forgiveness, are also presented as potentially subversive to Roman authority and the Jewish religious elite. The oppressive atmosphere is arguably a fair representation.
Is There Any Biblical Basis for the Implied Romantic Connection Between Jesus and Mary in the Film?
The Bible does not explicitly state that Jesus had a romantic relationship with Mary Magdalene or any other woman. The Gospels focus primarily on Jesus’s teachings, miracles, and death and resurrection. While the Gospels depict Jesus as having close relationships with his disciples, including women, a romantic dimension is not explicitly present. The depiction in the film is speculative, aiming to explore themes of deeper connection and understanding.
How Does the Film’s Depiction of the Other Disciples Compare to the Biblical Account?
The film portrays the disciples as flawed and struggling individuals, which aligns with the biblical account. The Gospels often depict the disciples as being confused by Jesus’s teachings, doubting his claims, and even abandoning him during his crucifixion. Peter’s denial of Jesus is a prominent example of their human fallibility, accurately depicted in the film.
What is the Significance of Mary Magdalene Being “Possessed by Seven Demons” in the Bible?
The Bible states that Mary Magdalene was freed from seven demons by Jesus (Luke 8:2). The exact nature of these demons is not specified. Some scholars interpret this as referring to physical or mental illness, while others understand it as a spiritual possession. Regardless of the interpretation, the exorcism highlights Jesus’s power and compassion, and Mary’s subsequent liberation is a turning point in her life.
Does the Film Take Liberties with the Biblical Timeline?
Yes, the film does take some liberties with the timeline of events. While it generally follows the main events of Jesus’s ministry, it condenses certain events and alters the order in which they occur. These changes are likely made for narrative purposes to streamline the story and create a more compelling viewing experience. Viewers should remember it’s an adaptation.
How Does the Film Portray Jesus’s Miracles?
The film includes some of Jesus’s miracles, such as healing the sick. These miracles are presented as acts of compassion and power, reflecting the biblical portrayal. However, the film generally focuses more on Jesus’s teachings and his relationships with his disciples than on the miraculous aspects of his ministry. The emphasis is on Jesus’s humanity and his message of love.
How Does the Film’s Portrayal of the Resurrection Differ from the Biblical Account?
The film focuses on Mary Magdalene’s experience of encountering the resurrected Jesus in the garden, which aligns with the Gospel of John (20:11-18). While the film doesn’t explicitly show the other disciples seeing Jesus, it does acknowledge the significance of Mary’s testimony and her role in spreading the news of the Resurrection. The emotional impact of the encounter is highlighted.
What Theological Message is the Film Trying to Convey?
The film seems to convey a message of radical inclusion and the importance of challenging traditional interpretations of scripture. It emphasizes Jesus’s compassion for the marginalized and his willingness to break down social barriers. The film also suggests that women have a vital role to play in the Christian faith, challenging the historical tendency to marginalize their contributions. The theme of empowerment is central.
What are Some Criticisms of the Film Mary?
Some criticisms of the film include its historical inaccuracies, its romanticized portrayal of the relationship between Jesus and Mary, and its tendency to downplay the more explicitly supernatural elements of the Gospel narrative. Critics may also argue that the film’s focus on Mary’s perspective overshadows the central message of the Gospel. These critiques often stem from viewers expecting strict adherence to canonical interpretations.
Does the Film Mary Promote Heresy?
Whether the film promotes heresy is a matter of theological interpretation. While it deviates from traditional interpretations on certain points, such as the nature of the relationship between Jesus and Mary, it does not explicitly deny any core Christian doctrines, such as the divinity of Jesus, his crucifixion, or his resurrection. The film primarily seeks to offer a different perspective and invite viewers to reconsider their understanding of scripture. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual viewer to determine whether they find the film’s interpretation theologically sound.
Conclusion
Mary is not a documentary, but rather a dramatic interpretation of a pivotal figure in Christian history. While it takes liberties with the biblical text, particularly in its exploration of the relationship between Jesus and Mary, it also draws on a solid foundation of biblical evidence, particularly in its portrayal of Mary’s crucial role as a disciple and witness. By focusing on Jesus’s message of love and inclusion, and by challenging traditional interpretations of scripture, the film invites viewers to engage with the Gospel narrative in a fresh and thought-provoking way. It encourages viewers to reconsider established perspectives and engage in thoughtful dialogue about faith and spirituality.