The film uses a framing device set in modern Russia. The film is generally conventional in its treatment of the story except for the character of Judas Iscariot. Judas is portrayed as a social revolutionary who wants Jesus to become the leader of a Jewish uprising against the Roman army of occupation. Judas' eventual betrayal of Jesus is swayed by political disillusionment rather than money.[1] The Judas role was very important to the film as it was conceived by Wiene, because it linked the biblical story to the framing story. However, the modern scenes provoked opposition from the censors, and the film was generally shown without them.[2] It premiered in Berlin on Christmas Day 1923.[3]
The film was shot over 90 days between May and September 1923[3] at the Staaken Studios in Berlin. It was made with a star cast, expensive sets and hundreds of extras. The film's art direction was by Ernő Metzner. In scale and length, it was the largest film directed by Wiene during his career.[4]
