Life of Brian (1979)

Kasbah of Sousse

Sousse, Tunisia

11th-century fortress whose lower level now houses the archaeological museum of Sousse and its collection of Roman mosaics, among which is a massive portrait of Medusa.

The scene : Views from the outside, the walls of the kasbah represent the ramparts of Jerusalem in the wide shots of the holy city.

Kasbah of Sousse (outer wall)

Sousse, Tunisia

The scene : At the foot of a wall of the kasbah, Brian's disciples throw themselves on the sandal he has lost and see it as a sign; it is also in front of these walls that the crosses of the counterfields of the crucifixion stand.

Ribat of Monastir

Monastir, Tunisia

Coastal town in Tunisia, whose ribat and medina have served as a backdrop for numerous epics and biblical films (Life of Brian, Jesus of Nazareth…).

The scene : Main film setting: the crew recreates an entire Jerusalem in the courtyard of the ribat, redecorated nook by nook. In front of the entrance, Pontius Pilate (Michael Palin) promises to release "Woger," and his speech impediment sparks laughter from the crowd.

Roman Theatre of Carthage

Carthage, Tunisia

Roman theater from the 2nd century nestled in the ruins of Carthage, a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage; renovated, it hosts concerts and shows once again.

The scene : During the bloody "children's morning" in the arena, Brian boasts to the spectators about his dubious treats — jaguar earlobes, she-wolf nipple chips — before being recruited by the People's Front of Judea, always quick to label its rivals as "splitters."

Matmata, Tunisia

Berber village in southern Tunisia, famous for its troglodyte dwellings carved into the ground.

The scene : The arid hills surrounding Matmata serve as the setting for the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus is heckled by listeners demanding a clearer speech; the final crucifixion is shot nearby, in Haddej.

Haddej, Tunisia

Small village in the Matmata region, with cave dwellings carved into the ground.

The scene : On a hillside near the troglodyte village of Haddej, Brian and his unfortunate companions, hoisted on their crosses, sing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" to end the film.

Londres, United Kingdom

Capital of the United Kingdom, on the Thames.

The scene : Part of the filming took place in London.

Monastir, Tunisia

The scene : At the foot of the outer wall of the ribat, John Cleese says "Jehovah" one time too many and finds himself bombarded with stones.

Monastir, Tunisia

The scene : At the foot of the tower, Brian shouts from his window to the crowd of his followers that they are all individuals, which they echo in chorus; it is also from this tower that he falls before being swept up, quite against his will, by an alien spacecraft.