Ben Hur Analysis

The 1926 release of Ben Hur is undoubtedly gruesome in its depiction of Roman hostility. According to Jeffrey Richards the film illustrates "the conflict of values between Christianity and Imperial Rome." I agree in this overall statement of the overall basis of the movie. The two forces are constantly battling against one another as Ben Hur emerges to fight for Christ. Richards lists examples of the Roman violence in the movie and states that there is symbolism to the destruction of Roman power and Christianity prevailing. However, Richards does not explain how the story of Ben Hur as a character starts to parallel with the story of Christ. This is crucial to the understanding of Ben Hur as a symbol of Christianity. Because Ben Hur survives and is reunited with his family as a symbol of Christianity, the audience knows that Christianity will prevail. The message is embedded in the story line. Scenes of Pilate's palace being destroyed are supporting images to the greater symbolism. The movie ends with a scene of the cross moving to focus on Ben Hur's family because they are the symbol of Christianity that is created throughout the film.