Franco Zeffirelli: reviews, quotes, and works

Franco Zeffirelli

Director

Forfans of classic cinema, religious epics, opera staging, and shakespeare adaptations.
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The Profile

Italian film, opera, and theatre director and designer, known for the film Romeo and Juliet (1968) and the television miniseries Jesus of Nazareth (1977). He also staged major operas including La Bohème, Turandot, Otello and Pagliacci.

Born in Florence in 1923 and died in 2019. Renowned for sumptuous, traditional staging across film and opera. Received an honorary knighthood in the UK and served as a senator in Italy in the 1990s.

A detailed look at Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth: massive cast, global reach, and a reverent, dogmatic take on the Gospels. Praises Robert Powell’s singular performance and the project’s scale. Critiques the opulent sets and oleography. Notes polarized reactions from press and religious groups.

Notable Quotes

❝ In fact, on April 3, 1977, Paul VI really leaned out and during the Angelus recommended to the faithful the viewing of the television script (as they were called at the time) "Jesus of Nazareth" by Zeffirelli, for which the Pope, uniquely in history, had acted as a consultant during filming.