The Wall

Built on a fascinating concept, The Wall allows viewers the chance to eavesdrop on the private conversations between two imprisoned thieves, Gestas and Dimas, who were to be crucified on either side of Christ, as they await their fate in the early hours of Good Friday. Separated from Christ's cell only by the titular wall, their discussions and/or monologues range from avoidance (Gestas' longing for a roast of lamb) to Dimas' ostensible struggle to believe in a Savior and eternal life. Unfortunately, this concept is poorly realized in writer Richard Lauchman's script, which, in an apparent attempt to make the material accessible to present-day ears, is so peppered with "up-to-date" (i.e., distracting and anachronistic) language (including American 1960's and British slang) that it fails to probe the deeper personal and spiritual fears of human beings awaiting an excruciating execution. On the production side, the set seems to have been borrowed from an impecunious regional theater company, and the sound is uneven. Still, this video--carefully used in conjunction with the accompanying study guide--has a limited, and very specific, application to various aspects of catechesis. Recommended for use only in parochial schools, or CCD or RCIA classes. Aud: E, I, J. (M. Rechel)