A fundamental narrative template is the biblical tale of Joseph, which is marked by sibling treachery, unfair suffering as a slave and prisoner, and eventual rise to power to save his family. This trip is mirrored in a number of films and stories, both straight adaptations and thematic retellings.
The following films are based on Joseph’s story:
Biblical Retellings and Direct Adaptations
- The DreamWorks animated musical Joseph: King of Dreams (2000) is a straight adaptation of the Book of Genesis that centers on Joseph’s dreams, his brothers’ betrayal, and his ascent in Egypt.
- The Bible Collection: Joseph (1995): A thorough TNT miniseries that presents a more unvarnished and authentic depiction of the narrative, including Potiphar’s wife, incarceration, and family strife.
- The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical adaption of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999) uses song to tell the tale.
- The Ballad of Little Joe (2003) is a VeggieTales adaption that takes the tale to the American West and emphasizes themes of faith and forgiveness in the face of adversity.
- Sight & Sound: Joseph (2010) is a film adaptation of the well-known stage play that highlights Joseph’s faith and confidence in God.
Thematic and Contemporary Retellings
- In the contemporary retelling Joseph’s Gift (1998), Joseph is a garment financier who is betrayed by his brothers, who then pay a factory owner to have him vanish. He eventually reunites with his siblings after transitioning from a slave to, in this case, a banker.
- A contemporary movie that directly parallels the tale of Joseph and his cloak of many colors is Seasons of Gray (2013).
- The Count of Monte Cristo (various, most notably 2002): A classic story of captivity and betrayal by friends, followed by a rise to power and eventual return to face those who harmed him.
- Gladiator (2000): Maximus, the main character, gets deceived, loses his family, is sold into slavery, and advances through the ranks in a foreign country while pursuing retribution.
- The terrifying actual story of Solomon Northup, a free man who was abducted and sold into slavery, is shown in the 2013 film 12 Years a Slave. It mirrors the agony and forced displacement from his home.
Important Themes Considered
- The central pivotal moment in each of these movies is betrayal, which typically involves jealousy from brothers or close friends.
- Suffering: Joseph’s experiences in a slave market, a pit, and a prison (Potiphar’s house/jail).
- Destiny/Sovereignty: The final “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” conclusion in which the protagonist’s suffering sets them up for a noble calling.
