The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

 The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

I’ll be the first one to admit that I despised Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ upon initial viewing. I was expecting a movie based on the traditional Gospels, which certainly is not this movie. Years later, after changing my mindset, gave the film another chance. While still a little long, I clicked with the film. As a Christian, we were taught Jesus is both man and God. Scorsese explored the man side of Jesus. What if Jesus, instead of dying and resurrecting for our sins, fell wayward from Satan and fell into temptation? That is the fundamental question that Scorsese and his screenwriter Paul Schrader asked. Schrader wrote two of Scorsese’s best films in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, so once again they collaborate on creating a challenging, engaging feature that asks important questions about beliefs, passions, and morality. I will say this. Even though I initially did not like the film, there are these striking images that stay with you and haunt you. Ditto for my second viewing. Michael Ballhaus created some incredible, striking visuals with the camera. The performances are (mostly) excellent and I think this film has one of the best portrayals of Satan.

The film is based off Nikos Kazantzakis’s fictional novel which received much controversy because of a story it told about Jesus of Nazareth but not saying true to the Bible. Scorsese and Schrader originally intended to adapt the film after The King of Comedy, but Paramount eventually canceled the film because of a ballooning budget and the protest letters the studio received from Christian groups. The director made After Hours instead. In 1986, Universal was interested and Scorsese made the film on a smaller budget. It was a challenging shoot for the production. It was shot on location in Morocco, and they needed to hurry because of unrest…which is why Scorsese’s film had minor aesthetic appeal to it. Still, they managed to use visuals in a way that audiences will remember despite minimal location shooting.

Even more infamous than the film itself is the controversy that surrounded the film. The main reason for this controversy was because people did not like the idea that the life of Jesus Christ was told differently from the Gospel. I was initially shocked when I saw the film, but it enhanced my understanding for my second go-around. It is a movie, and each film has its own unique meaning and interpretation. Still, many Christian groups protested the movie. A Christian group actually delivered a terrorist attack on a French cinema. Many countries banned the movie and some still instill a ban on the movie. It is crazy what a movie can do. I say just give the movie a chance and formulate your own opinion.

Jesus of Nazareth (Willem Dafoe) is a carpenter…and also the Son of God. He is tormented by demons including Satan himself, he hates that he has to make crosses for the Romans, he has all these feelings for the people of the world, and of course adheres to the word of His Father. As he nears fulfillment of his mission, he faces the greatest temptation of all. The mortal life of a man.

Willem Dafoe is fantastic as Jesus. His job was to make Jesus as humane as possible and certainly succeeded with all of these temptations. I will admit I was not in full agreement with Harvey Keitel’s portrayal of Judas. Keitel is a legendary actor, but he did not seem right for the role. Barbara Hershey is a great Mary Magdalene. One of the reasons why the film is deemed so controversial is a scene of consummation between Jesus and Mary. That scene gave Jesus even more human characteristics. Also, David Bowie as Pontius Pilate! That was inspired casting (although originally, the role was meant for Sting).

Overall, The Last Temptation of Christ is not based on Gospel or reality. It is based off a fictional novel that allows Jesus to be more human. It is a challenging watch and will make you question some things. That is what Scorsese does when he is at his best. In the eyes of many, Scorsese had a lukewarm 80’s. He ended the decade with a bang despite the film not being a box office success. It helps that he worked with Schrader and a solid cast led by the fantastic Willem Dafoe. I cannot forget to mention Peter Gabriel’s score. I loved it and his music actually made more people interested in world music. It did for me at least. Anyway, no matter who or what you believe in, give Scorsese’s passion project a chance. It took me a few tries, but I am glad I did. More proof exists that Scorsese is probably the best director the cinematic world has ever seen.

My Grade: B+