Controversial Film: The Last Temptation Of Christ

In 1988, Martin Scorsese directed and released one of the most controversial films of the decade, “The Last Temptation of Christ.” While many previous films surrounding Jesus portrayed stories that many evangelicals are familiar with, this took a completely different route. The film even begins with a disclaimer stating that it is not based off the Gospels. It can be argued that this takes away from the true historicity of who Jesus was, but the interpretation provided can possibly give audiences and scholars alike new perspectives to take when analyzing Jesus of Nazareth. “The Last Temptation of Christ,” uses various plot points and inner dialogue to portray a Jesus closer to humanity than divinity. As stated above the film opens with a disclaimer …show more content…
Eventually though he decides to leave for the desert to find his purpose. Before his departure, the audience is introduced to Mary Magdalene, whom wants to be loved by Jesus and explains they have known each other since childhood. While in the desert various supernatural things occur to him and at one point he believes Satan is the one inside his head. Eventually he realizes he God has a purpose for him and that he needs to go out a teach. Judas is sent to kill him, but decides against it because Jesus seems special and instead decides to be his first follower. From this point on we get various event that mimic the gospel. These include Jesus gaining followers, saving Mary Magdalene, and has teachings that are similar to the sermon on the mount. There is a slight deviation during Jesus’ baptism seen. Originally Jesus’ and his followers come to see John to confirm whether or not Jesus is the messiah. We learn that he is, but him and John the Baptist have different ideas as to what he is supposed to be teaching. John the Baptist recommend Jesus go out to the …show more content…
These sequences show human qualities like fear, anger, and confusion. The audience is allowed to hear and further experience the turmoil Jesus was facing throughout various times in his life. It should be noted though that there are certain instances when Jesus exudes more confidence such as the scene in which he teaches to the crowd that was going to execute Mary Magdalene. This transition adds a sense of comfort in the portrayal of Jesus because his characteristic become more akin to his biblical version. This idea can arguably be extended into other scenes in which more Gospel like events occur. The second way the film portrays its own Jesus is by changing or adding completely new events and situations that never occurred it this Gospels. One of the best examples of Jesus’ humanity shown through new situation is seen in his relationship to Judah. The dynamic between the two of them is a departure from anything within the Gospels. Judas acts as Jesus rock during certain parts of the film (i.e. his impending death) and even keeps Jesus on his mission of saving mankind (i.e. mention they should see John the Baptist and guardian angel reveal). Arguably the best example of getting idea of who Jesus the man was occurs during the last thirty minutes of