*Classic lookback* THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRISTWe usually associate Martin Scorsese with his movies on organized crime. It's hard not to do that when he has made Goodfellas & Casino. But before that, in the late 80s, he was probably at his creative peak. In the decade which saw him making Raging Bull( Arguably his best movie), King of Comedy & After hours, the 1988 movie, The Last Temptation of Christ is my personal favorite of his entire filmography. It is Scorsese at his creative best and his boldest. Based on the very controversial novel of Nikos Kazantzakis of the same name which was itself banned in many countries, This movie was destined to be controversial. Which of course, it was. It frequently finds it's place in several 'most controversial films of all time' lists. The film was termed as blasphemous upon it's release and banned in many countries too. But if you care to watch it with an open mind, this movie is quite an enriching experience. It's not an easy movie for a devout Christian believer. The movie's basic underlying theme is the conflict between Christ's worldly temptations as a mortal, and his divine duty of sacrificing himself for the sins of mankind. The movie doesn't follow the Bible. It humanizes Christ ( Played quite brilliantly by Willem Dafoe) he gets angry, he gets frightened, he asks his 'father' why is he the chosen one. As the movie progresses, Christ gradually starts to find answers to these questions. This process of self discovery of his purposes, not only seems very relatable but also helps us sympathize with the character. The Son of God, till that point of time had always been represented with an otherworldly aura. This was the first attempt to make him vulnerable and thus, more human....and quite naturally, it didn't go down well with all. Coming to the most controversial portions, the last one hour of the movie is it's most controversial portion and the take it or leave it point of the movie. As a open minded viewer, no doubt it was something very unique to witness. It's almost as if it takes us by the collar and coerces us with a very different point of view. Controversy apart, it is a really well made movie. The cinematography, moody, dark, surreal at times works wonders. Peter Gabriel's musical score is one of the main highlights of the movie. And oh of course, i forgot to mention the representation of Satan! Very subtle yet chilling. Despite saying so many points about the movie being controversial, i would never call it blasphemous. The movie ultimately never makes one question about one's faith in Christianity. It arrives at the same destination all other Christ movies have, but to reach that destination it takes an unexpectedly risky path. A very underrated film, in my opinion, The Last Temptation of Christ surely deserves a higher place in Scorsese's much coveted filmography. If possible, do watch this with an open mind. You'll never forget it in your lifetime.

The 1980s seemed to be a hit or miss period for legendary director Martin Scorsese. His biopic "Raging Bull" scored Oscar gold while quirky comedy "After Hours" received mixed reviews and under-performed at the box office (now it is a cult classic from the director's catalog). However the legendary director found himself in hot water when he decided to tackle the controversial religious novel "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Nikos Kazantzakis. Many considered the film to be blasphemous to Christian beliefs and was labeled offensive by various religious groups and some critics. Over the last 30 years, the scope of the movie has been reassessed and opinions have changed to see the film in a more creative light.The film follows the trials and tribulations of Jesus Christ as he is portrayed as more human than the divine figure most faiths are familiar with. Jesus is faced with human temptations like self-doubt and lust (which was what incited much of the film's controversy) in his path to eventually become the Messiah. The narrative does include Biblical elements from the New Testament once Christ begins to follow his divine destiny, but it is not a strictly Biblical tale; more of an interpretation based on some theological theories that Jesus was only human (the debate continues especially with works like Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code").Playing the important title role of Christ is the always reliable Willem Dafoe in what should have been an Oscar nominated performance. While the role was originally offered to Scorsese's go-to muse of the time, Robert De Niro, the filmmakers ultimately picked the most unlikely yet in the end, ideal, casting choice. Willem Dafoe himself has stated over the years he is still shocked he pulled off such a role in playing the Messiah, but if one watches the film it is an acting masterclass. Dafoe brings a convincing vulnerability to Jesus, making the character seem believably human even when he starts to become more sure of his path to being the prodigal Son of God. The quality only increases as Dafoe deftly handles the internal struggle to either simply be an average man or become the divine Messiah; the revealing moment is perfectly represented when Jesus faces his desert isolation and is confronted by his inner temptations. When Jesus finally accepts his status as the Son of God, Dafoe himself almost has a God-like divinity as he embraces his destiny but maintains his crisis of faith until the film's fiery climax where Christ must make the ultimate choice for the fate of the world: continue living an illusion or renounce his errors and accept the gruesome fate he is meant to endure.Providing an equally bravado performance is underrated actress Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene (mostly referred by her surname in the movie). Her characterization is based on the divisive theory that Mary was a prostitute as depicted in the film (which has since been dis-proved by respected historians); a flawed woman who wishes for Jesus to abandon his divine path and be with her. The actress owns her scenes as she spouts venom at co-star Willem Dafoe, unleashing all her anger while masking a hidden sadness. Hershey, like her co-star, should have received an Oscar nomination for the depth she brings to Magdalene. She never becomes a stereotype nor does she allow herself to fade in the background, but maintains a presence even when not physically on-screen (Mary is portrayed as a black snake in a visual metaphor when Jesus experiences his temptations during visions). A special mention should be made for the cameo appearance of the late David Bowie as Pontious Pilate. The British musician holds his own on-screen with Willem Dafoe's Jesus (who remains mostly silent during the scene). Bowie is calm and commanding as he delivers his dialogue with authority while remaining stoic in body language and in his vocal delivery. The part of Pilate was out of character for the quirky singer, but in true Bowie fashion the singer stands out even when delivering his lines to the film's star. Even Bowie's final parting words echo and resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the narrative.The movie's only black spot in acting is the Razzie nominated performance of frequent Scorsese collaborator, Harvey Kietel as Judas Iscariot. Normally Kietel brings his A-game to his roles and knocks the part out of the park, but taking the pivotal role of Jesus's treacherous disciple seemed to be a misstep in the actor's prestigious resume. While numerous other actors maintain their natural accents, Kietel's native New York accent becomes overtly distracting especially as the actor over-exaggerates his lines. Not the most awful performance of Kietel's career, his acting pales in comparison to the compelling and far superior performance of Willem Dafoe as both actors share numerous scenes together. If you choose to disagree with me about my opinion, go right ahead as this is only my opinion (though shared by critics of the time and some audiences).Under Scorsese's directorial eye, the narrative never ceases to provide insight into its subject though the pacing does slow at times. The cinematography is breathtaking (filmed on location throughout Jordan in the Middle East) with its vast landscapes and eye-catching visuals for its symbolism. The screenplay is taut as it is adapted by Scorsese's regular screenwriter (later turned director) Paul Schrader. Schrader keeps the source material intact even as he intertwines iconic Biblical moments including the wedding where Jesus turned water into wine, the cleansing of the temple after Palm Sunday to the ultimate crucifixion of Christ at the film's conclusion. Go into the film with an open mind which can help you appreciate the mastery behind the religious undertones.

The best part of the movie is reading the reviews of the religious people. Right, there is blasphemy in copious amounts, but it's not the kind you see in that famous church scene in the Exorcist. It comes from asking oneself the question: "how would a regular man pay the part of Jesus"? That's probably one of the most important parts of the movie.The scene with John the Baptist raises another question. "How would one know if a religious movement comes from God, or not." And, to me, at least the whole scene was quite disturbing, especially the crazed girl fans John had.Another point that is made in the movie is that Jesus doesn't need to be godly, or resurrect. His story, in the hands of the right sociopaths, will find its way. We are left wondering if it really matters if Jesus existed and died at the cross and if his life really had that kind of impact on world history, or is it just that we use him as an excuse for everything we do.My favorite part of the movie is the scene when Jesus enters Jerusalem. I think it's probably the music. All in all, I think is an OK movie, except for a few issues with pacing.

The Last Temptation of Christ is one of Scorsese's defining masterpieces, sitting in the ranks alongside Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Taxi Driver; it is an epic, highly evocative, narrative of the controversial and, at times, incredible life of Jesus Christ: his rise and fall. If looking at Scorsese's career in retrospective, it is unlikely that the film would be considered one of Scorsese's most enduring and recognizable features. However, whether through absolute innovation or audacious originality, it is an unrivaled spectacle.William Dafoe plays the title figure of Jesus, a troubled man lost in his inner conflicts, who is torn between his desire and the knowledge than God has a plan for him. As the film progresses Jesus leaves his life of labor, moving from place to place, preaching and gathering a group of followers- his original disciples. He performs miracles: healing a blind man, converting water to wine and raising Lazarus from the dead. I found Dafoe's portrayal of the son of God extraordinary. His speeches are riveting and incredibly moving; it is a performance full of tenderness, rage and love.There is a point, perhaps a third of the way through, when Jesus walks into the desert- out into the vast bareness- in the hope of speaking to God. He draws a circle around himself, in the dirt and sand, and sits there waiting. There is nothing: for a long, long time he just sits there waiting. At this point, the film subverts itself into a surreal nightmare. Jesus is visited by: a talking snake (with the voice of a woman), a lion, a fire- that seems to burn from an invisible source, and an apple tree. It is a metaphor for the Devil, what he represents, and is unlike anything I have ever seen before. We are watching the turmoil of Jesus's mind projected out around him, like some bizarre circus parade. It is only through experiencing 'evil' that we can truly understand and appreciate what the concept of 'good' means, a concept that Jesus comes to understand and evolve.The film's ending is an extraordinary rendering of pain and the inevitable descent of man. Jesus wades through the streets of Jerusalem, amongst jeering crowds, bearing a crown of thorns, a cross over his back. The camera glides through the action, enhanced by Scorsese's quintessential use of slow motion and music. It is horrific to watch yet utterly compelling. Nothing is hidden away, or censored, as we watch his hands nailed into the cross and the blood trailing down his forehead. The portrait of suffering and injustice is complete.The Last Temptation of Christ is an incredible film. The tragic story of Christ's life and his transformation of faith are beautifully visualized. The temptation in the title is of a normal life: where he can live, love and become a father. Yet he can never achieve that ideal- he is the Son of God. As Victor Hugo once said: 'Our lives dream the Utopia. Our deaths achieve the ideal.' Only through death can Jesus rise and become the testament to his own religion.Scorsese's picture is a masterpiece and a powerful odyssey into existence.