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The
Apocalypse
One does not
know, under the reign of Domitian, it being impossible to behave as it is
one’s obligation to behave qua Christian, what it is one is to do.
The escape and suffering are displayed, and in the midst of this John receives
the vision of the heavenly triumph.
Instantly he
tells young Valerius, “Do not be afraid of the truth, if you don’t
want to remain a slave.” Valerius comes back with these words: “The
truth could kill you!” To which John serenely replies with cheerfulness,
“The truth will free you!”
Richard Harris as
John is quite plain and straightforward. He sees the sun rise in a moment over
the sea (when none else does) and prostrates himself at the revelation. A
secure rendition of the biblical persona is his aim, and it never fails.
“God will always win, friends. His victory over evil is a root of our
faith.”
Mertes is
magnificent in the stinking Roman prison and the sunny Roman seaport. He
patently treats computer animations à la DeMille, introducing the
Apocalypse in stages by visual shorthand.
John’s
adjuration to Valerius nerves the youth to reveal himself
a Christian to the Roman authorities. This exactly coincides with the news of
Domitian’s passing and the accession of Nerva, who halts these
persecutions. In a nicely Shakespearean turn, Valerius also declares his love to
Irene.