There are two Bible-themed movies coming out in November — just six months from now — and so far there have been no trailers or clips for either film.
But journalists at the Cannes film festival got a sneak peek at one film yesterday, when Focus Features showed them a promo reel for Mary Magdalene, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus and Rooney Mara as Jesus’ most famous female follower.
I haven’t seen much in the way of detailed descriptions of the footage in question, but a few movie journalists have posted brief reactions. Variety’s Brent Lang called Phoenix’s Jesus “ethereal” and Mara’s Magdalene “empowered”, and Vulture’s Kyle Buchanan said Phoenix’s Jesus comes across as “kind of a bemused hippie?”
Also impressed by a promo reel for Mary Magdalene, starring Rooney Mara with Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus. No seriously, looks damn good.
— Alex B. (@firstshowing) May 19, 2017
Just saw footage of Garth Davis' Mary Magdalene. Hard to see Joaquin Phoenix playing Jesus. Rooney will really have to carry it. #Cannes2017
— Gregory Ellwood – The Playlist
https://twitter.com/kylebuchanan/status/865598027859472384If I come across any other descriptions of the promo reel, I will add them here.
The Weinstein Company is releasing Mary Magdalene in the U.S. on November 24. The other Bible-themed movie that month is The Star, opening November 10.
— The above image shows Phoenix and Mara in their previous film together, Her.