An extremely controversial movie in the course of its making. I watched it in order to read the book "Scorsese on Scorsese". The film moved me unexpectedly. Though not a religious person, I sensed no blasphemy in this film. Rather I felt the love of god and a strong belief from its director, Martin Scorsese. The film couldn't be accomplished were it not for his firm belief.
The revelation at the end off the film is particularly moving. I was baffled by the mundane life of Jesus and didn't realize until the very last minute that it was actually a spiritual trial. The closing line "It's accomplished." echoes so well with "the last temptation" and leaves the film a reflective ending (at least for me).
As the director puts it, modern audience wouldn't be able to appreciate the sole emphasis on the divinity of Jesus. It would only mean something if the duality is presented: the divinity and humanity.
Also worth mentioning is the music in this film that brings forth a sense of juxtaposition. It is not the ordinary solemn, pious music for a story of Jesus. Scorsese adopts the music from a Moroccan band "Nass El Ghiwane", and it sounds by no means 2000 years old as in Jesus' time. However considering the controversy and conflicts dealing in the film, the music fits in just fine.
Though the film runs over 160 minutes, it is certainly recommended. Background regarding the making of this film is detailed in "Scorsese on Scorsese" which I also enjoyed.
By the way, William Dafoe did put on a good show starring Jesus, and I like how the story of Judas is retold.
The revelation at the end off the film is particularly moving. I was baffled by the mundane life of Jesus and didn't realize until the very last minute that it was actually a spiritual trial. The closing line "It's accomplished." echoes so well with "the last temptation" and leaves the film a reflective ending (at least for me).
As the director puts it, modern audience wouldn't be able to appreciate the sole emphasis on the divinity of Jesus. It would only mean something if the duality is presented: the divinity and humanity.
Also worth mentioning is the music in this film that brings forth a sense of juxtaposition. It is not the ordinary solemn, pious music for a story of Jesus. Scorsese adopts the music from a Moroccan band "Nass El Ghiwane", and it sounds by no means 2000 years old as in Jesus' time. However considering the controversy and conflicts dealing in the film, the music fits in just fine.
Though the film runs over 160 minutes, it is certainly recommended. Background regarding the making of this film is detailed in "Scorsese on Scorsese" which I also enjoyed.
By the way, William Dafoe did put on a good show starring Jesus, and I like how the story of Judas is retold.
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| William Dafoe as Jesus |
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