‘Mary Magdalene’: An Enduring, Compelling Dichotomy

Pax TV has chosen an extraordinarily fascinating life to explore in “Mary Magdalene,” the latest installment in its continuing series of biblical movies.

Mary Magdalene may be--with the possible exception of Judas Iscariot--the most enigmatic of the followers and family of Jesus Christ. Although the New Testament mentions her only a few times, she is never identified as a prostitute or a sinner--characteristics traditionally associated with her.

Her actual appearances, however, are remarkable for their rich symbolism. She is present at the crucifixion, the death and the resurrection of Jesus. And, because she brings the good news of Christ’s resurrection to the disciples, she is often described as the Apostle of the Apostles. In addition, Magdalene is mentioned favorably and frequently in Gnostic literature as well as in the numerous noncanonical gospels and epistles not included in the Christian Bible.

The power of her story is such that the centrality of her role in the Christ epic has survived, even though the Catholic Church sanctioned the clearly inaccurate image of her as a repentant prostitute in the 6th century. And it’s no surprise that in recent decades Magdalene has become a much admired figure among many feminists.

This complex counterpoint of history, legend, ideas and interpretations obviously made it problematic for the producers of “Mary Magdalene”--as well as writer Gianmario Pagano--to concoct a kind of imagined prequel chronicle for Mary, one primarily focused on her life before the Crucifixion.

Their solution represents a series of compromises. In this interpretation, Mary is not exactly a prostitute, but she doesn’t hesitate to make herself available to the most useful and powerful companions. But the script also presents her as strong and willful, a woman with the strength and character to survive in a male-dominated society. And, by placing her in the court of Herod, it provides her with an intrinsic role in a rich dramatic saga that moves with inevitable force from the life and death of John to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Although the production values are occasionally less than first-rate, the film has one irresistible asset--the compelling presence of Maria Grazia Cucinotta in the role of Mary. Playing the part to the hilt with her eyes, her lips, her remarkable presence, she is the central force in her every scene. Beyond the words of the script, beyond the picture itself, it is she who helps us to understand what it is that--for 2,000 years--has made Mary Magdalene such an irresistibly compelling figure.

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* “Mary Magdalene” can be seen Sunday at 9 p.m. on Pax. The network has rated it TV-PG (may be unsuitable for young children).