Jesus(1979)

Jesus is a 1980 experimental documentary by Michel Auder that captures underground New York artists and Warhol superstars discussing their personal beliefs and faith. The film blends archival footage of evangelical television, religious imagery, and pop culture references with staged performances—including Taylor Mead as a West Village priest and Florence Lambert as a crucified Christ figure. Auder intersperses these elements with candid street interviews conducted throughout New York City, asking strangers and acquaintances about their relationship to spirituality and religion. The film features conversations with notable figures including Diego Cortez, Jackie Curtis, Gerard Malanga, painter Alice Neel, Larry Rivers, and Viva. Originally screened at The Kitchen, Jesus offers an unconventional portrait of faith through the lens of the city's avant-garde community, mixing documentary rigor with performance art and philosophical inquiry.