Balthasar’s fascination with the universe is not merely a hobby; it’s a profound spiritual journey. The film’s opening scene sets the stage for this journey. We see Balthasar, a young man, gazing at the stars, his face illuminated by the celestial glow. This scene immediately establishes the character’s deep connection to the cosmos and his yearning for something beyond the earthly realm.

Robert Earl Jones was a well-known character actor, known for his roles in films like The Sting, The Great Escape, and The Birds. The director, Franco Zeffirelli, had a vision for the film that was very different from the original novel. Zeffirelli wanted to create a more romantic and visually stunning film, focusing on the relationship between the characters and the setting.

I have calculated the exact time and place of its birth.” (Jones, 2017). This quote exemplifies the Magi’s intellectual curiosity and their role as astronomers. Please note that the portrayal of the Magi in Zeffirelli’s film is a departure from the traditional depiction of the Magi as purely religious figures. Instead, Zeffirelli’s film presents them as complex individuals with diverse motivations and aspirations.

Pope Benedict XVI, writing in Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, acknowledges the various meanings placed on the Magi, naming four principal meanings: Magi as members of the Persian priestly caste; as possessors and users of supernatural knowledge and ability; as magicians; and as deceivers and seducers. Benedict suggests the Magi as mentioned in Matthew 2 identify most closely with members of the Persian priestly caste — even if they were not exactly Persian priests. But as we see in James Earl Jones’ portrayal of Balthasar, the Magi are intellectually curious, philosophically bent, and driven by a delightful wonder of the universe and the divine meanings it suggests.

The Magi, as described in the Gospel of Matthew, are not simply astrologers or stargazers. They are individuals who possess a unique combination of knowledge and faith. They are described as “wise men,” a term that emphasizes their wisdom and understanding of the world. They are also described as “men of understanding,” highlighting their intellectual capacity and ability to grasp complex concepts.

Filmmaking is an art of storytelling, and it relies heavily on visual storytelling. This is because the visual elements of film, such as cinematography, editing, and visual effects, are powerful tools that can evoke emotions and tell stories without the need for dialogue. This emphasis on visual storytelling is evident in films that prioritize visual aesthetics, such as movies by Wes Anderson, David Fincher, and Sofia Coppola.