The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writers (WGA):

Nikos Kazantzakis (novel)
Paul Schrader (screenplay)

Release Date:

12 August 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

The life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the temptations that all humans face during their lives, and his final temptation upon the cross.

Plot Keywords:

Temptation | Jesus Christ | Roman | Cross | Epic

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Willem Dafoe	...	Jesus
Harvey Keitel	...	Judas
Paul Greco	...	Zealot
Steve Shill	...	Centurian (as Steven Shill)
Verna Bloom	...	Mary, Mother of Jesus
Barbara Hershey	...	Mary Magdalene
Roberts Blossom	...	Aged Master
Barry Miller	...	Jerobeam
Gary Basaraba	...	Andrew, Apostle
Irvin Kershner	...	Zebedee
Victor Argo	...	Peter, Apostle
Michael Been	...	John, Apostle
Paul Herman	...	Phillip, Apostle
John Lurie	...	James, Apostle
Leo Burmester	...	Nathaniel, Apostle

Also Known As:

Passion (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

164 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints)

Certification:

Philippines:(Banned) | South Korea:18 | Brazil:14 | USA:R (certificate #29344) | Argentina:18 (re-rating) | Argentina:X (original rating) | Spain:13 | Australia:M | Australia:R (original rating) | Chile:(Banned) (1989-2002) | Chile:18 (re-rating) (2003) | Finland:K-16 | Iceland:16 | Ireland:18 | Mexico:C | Norway:18 | Portugal:M/16 | South Africa:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 (video re-rating) (2000) | UK:18 (video rating) (1988) | UK:18 (original rating) | West Germany:16 | Singapore:(Banned)

Filming Locations:

Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Morocco

Company:

Cineplex-Odeon Films

Trivia:

The television premiere of the film on Channel 4 in the mid nineties used to hold the record for receiving the most complaints (1,554) about a broadcast on British television. That record was eclipsed by BBC2's broadcast of "Jerry Springer - The Opera" on 8 January 2005, which drew more than 50,000 complaints, many of which were submitted by Christians before the broadcast, offended by what they considered the blasphemous portrayal of Jesus in the programme.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: Camera shadow is cast over Jesus and other characters just before he is baptized by John The Baptist.

Quotes:

Girl Angel/Satan: There is only one woman in the world. One woman, with many faces.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Passion: Films, Faith & Fury (2006) (TV)

an alternative reality for Christ

This adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis's novel, directed by Martin Scorsese, caused quite a stir on its initial release, accused of blasphemy and of causing offence to the Christian religion.

However, in its depiction of Jesus Christ as a human being rather than a man divine, it gets to the core of his story. This is a man who makes the choice of self-sacrifice for the good of his fellow men, despite the temptations of an alternative life - shown in this film by a life with Mary Magdelene rather than dying at the Crucifixion.

Played by Willem Dafoe with great sensitivity, this Christ performs miracles and discusses the intricacies of life and death with his disciples. Harvey Keitel is Judas, a rough man who fails to understand the significance of being the chosen Son of God; while Barbara Hershey is an effective Magdelene. David Bowie makes a short appearance as Pontius Pilate and is surprisingly good.

'The Last Temptation of Christ' is not one of Scorsese's best films but it certainly sparks questions and leaves food for thought. Some of the imagery is superb and the script is coherent and of a high standard.