Review
This 1995 television adaptation of the Old Testament story of Joseph is surely among the finest productions ever made about the Book of Genesis. Skillfully blending forceful acting, strong character development, beautiful cinematography, and a script that pays meticulous attention to the biblical account, the production re-creates this famous story of enmity, suffering, and triumphal love in a way that is both moving and engrossing. Two previous Oscar-winners deliver outstanding performances -- Martin Landau as Joseph's father, Jacob, and Ben Kingsley as Pharaoh's chief steward, Potiphar -- helping to elevate Paul Mercurio (Joseph) and Vincenzo Nicoli (Joseph's envious brother, Simeon) to their high level of acting. Thanks to careful research, the film has the look, feel, and sound of the Bible era, at least as envisioned by modern scholars, even though it was filmed in south central Morocco on the Sahara side of the Atlas Mountains. But while achieving its sense of realism, the production avoids the glitter and pomp of past biblical epics; it is restrained, tasteful, true to life. Here is one film that biblical scholars, historians, and men and women of faith can all enjoy in their own ways. Director Robert Young deserves high marks for demonstrating that a television production can equal -- indeed, surpass -- the best of the big-screen religious productions. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
Synopsis
This television miniseries recounts the biblical story of Joseph, the 11th son of the Hebrew patriarch, Jacob. Joseph (Paul Mercurio) has an extraordinary gift: the ability to interpret dreams. He also enjoys the special favor of his father. One day, Jacob (Martin Landau) presents his son a splendid coat as evidence of his deep affection for him. Envious, his brothers sell Joseph into bondage to an Egyptian. But Joseph eventually rises out of slavery after he interprets a troublesome dream of Pharaoh (Stefano Dionisi) as a sign that Egypt will experience seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph's strange powers, Pharaoh elevates him to the highest government position in Egypt next to Pharaoh's. Then Joseph wisely directs Egypt to store grain during the years of plenty. Finally, after famine strikes, Egypt sets bountiful tables as before, but other lands suffer severe deprivation. Jacob sends Joseph's brothers to Egypt for grain. After gaining an audience with the esteemed Joseph, they do not recognize him. So much time has passed, after all. And who could imagine that their own brother, a mere Hebrew slave, could have cast off his yoke and ascended to such heights of power? As the film moves toward its conclusion, viewers wonder whether Joseph will hold his brothers to account for their wrongdoing -- or reconcile with them and renew familial relationships. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
DVD ~ Peter Hall
DVD ~ Henry Koster
DVD ~ Giulio Base
DVD ~ Nicolas Roeg
DVD ~ Roger Young
