The Book of Life (1998)

89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(1,327 ratings)

Hal Hartley directed this French-produced comedy about the Second Coming of Christ (Martin Donovan), with Thomas Jay Ryan in the role of Satan. While a gambler (David Simonds) and a waitress (Miho Nikaido) talk with Satan in a hotel bar, Jesus arrives at JFK airport with Magdalena (PJ Harvey). Jesus… More Hal Hartley directed this French-produced comedy about the Second Coming of Christ (Martin Donovan), with Thomas Jay Ryan in the role of Satan. While a gambler (David Simonds) and a waitress (Miho Nikaido) talk with Satan in a hotel bar, Jesus arrives at JFK airport with Magdalena (PJ Harvey). Jesus has been sent down to end the world by breaking the Seven Seals on a computer disk in a bowling alley locker room. Made in digital video blown up to 35mm, this film is part of the French "Collection 2000 Seen By" television series of one-hour films about the Millennium (and the only one by an American director). Shown at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: Hal Hartley
Written By: Hal Hartley
Genres: Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 10, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Nov 7, 2000

Critic Reviews

Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Anything touched by PJ Harvey is bound to be worth the trouble; even better, Hartley has made one of his better, least grating films.
Martin Scribbs, Mixed Reviews
Jesus-who's-come-again asks Himself soul-searching questions in what might've been called The Lack of Passion of the Christ.
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
Hartley always underplays things, even when the world's about to end.