The Jesus Rolls

The 2019 film, The Jesus Rolls, is both directed and starred by John Turturro and is an American crime comedy movie that is a spin-off of the cult classic, The Big Lebowski, directed by the Coen brothers. Released over two decades after the original, this film seeks to weave a narrative around Jesus Quintana, a memorable character from The Big Lebowski. John Turturro reprises his role as Jesus, bringing his unique charm and flair to the eccentric, purple-jumpsuit wearing bowler.

The film sets its narrative centered around Jesus Quintana, a man recently paroled from prison. The story starts as soon as he is released, and gives us an in-depth look at his discretely optimistic, farcical, and somewhat irreverent take on life. The Jesus Rolls leans heavily on character development, capturing Quintana's audacious personality and quirky ways, threads that were started but not fully fleshed in the original Lebowski narrative.

The film roster also includes actors Bobby Cannavale and Audrey Tautou, who provide commendable performances, thereby raising the film's acting bar high. Cannavale portrays Petey, a likeminded soul and Quintana’s sidekick, while Tautou brings the character of Marie into life. All three of them navigate through a world of petty crime and provide an amusing trio to follow as mysteries and unexpected events unravel.

The storyline of The Jesus Rolls sketches the hilarious adventures of this trio, as they find themselves tangled in irregular and outlandish scenarios. We watch them go on an unpredictable spree across the city, their actions meandering between the criminal, foolish, and downright absurd. However underneath their audacious actions, an underlying theme is how these people are finding their self and purpose in life.

Turturro, apart from adding his acting prowess to the movie, directs it skillfully, maintaining a fine balance between humor, surprise, and strange poignancy. The pace of the movie is relaxed and unfolds in a way that gives audiences time to savor the characters and sink into their whimsical universe. There are several comic relief instances in the movie which are timed well, adding an eclectic mix to the movie's overall mood and aesthetic.

An interesting facet of The Jesus Rolls, one that particularly stands out, is its eclectic soundtrack. Varied and delightfully mismatched, it reflects the unconventional narrative of the film and adds an extra layer of entertainment to the movie. From traditional French songs to hard rock, the soundtracks help to create mood and atmosphere, and in some cases, to further accentuate the ridiculousness of situations our protagonists find themselves in.

Highlighted in the backdrop of the cityscape, the film also 'rolls' its way through numerous distinctive and visually engaging locations. The cinematography, handled by Frederick Elmes, complements the narrative with its rich and wide visuals, engaging the attention of the viewers and making them a part of the trio’s journey. Quirky costumes and well-designed sets form an integral part of the film, plunging the viewer directly into the center of Quintana's bizarre world.

All in all, The Jesus Rolls is a leisurely paced caper movie filled with unpredictable twists, idiosyncratic humor, and strange charm. It is a film that stays true to its roots by giving us an extended look into the life of one of the most eccentric side characters from the original film. While it shows a significant departure from the narrative of The Big Lebowski, the movie delivers its promise of a wild ride, brimming with eccentric moments, and a glimpse into the unorthodox life of Jesus Quintana.

In conclusion, this movie is perfect if you're looking for a film that breaks off from conventional tropes and provides a quirky and eccentric narrative filled with enjoyable performances and beautiful aesthetics. Although a stand-alone film, knowledge of The Big Lebowski might enhance your appreciation, as you journey alongside the unforgettable and unmistakable Jesus Quintana. The Jesus Rolls involves, amuses, and provokes thought, making it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.