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 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 within the film, 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 …show more content…
After this sequence, we get more events similar to the gospels like casting out demons, healing a blind man, turning water to wine, speaking in parables, rejection in Nazareth, raising the dead, and his disruptive behavior at the temple in Jerusalem. The film then deviates once more with the passion narrative and events surrounding it. Some examples include Jesus asking Judas to turn him into Rome because he needs to die, the fact that the Pharisees have nothing to do with his capture/death, and Pilate explaining to Jesus that he is dangerous politically for Rome so he must be crucified. Once on the cross, the film takes its arguably most controversial turn with Jesus being taken down from it by a “guardian angel.” After this scene, we see Jesus have sex with Mary of Magdalene, have children with Lazarus’ sister Mary, and live his life as a carpenter. One of the most interesting scenes within the film occurs during this time with the reintroduction of Saul, who now goes by Paul. A confrontation occurs at this point, where we learn that Paul doesn’t care about what really happened to Jesus, but the fact that the story he tells helps people.