A pet project finally comes to life.

The unexpected commercial success of “The Color of Money” finally allowed Martin Scorsese to direct his long-cherished project: an emotionally-charged film adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ controversial novel, “The Last Temptation of Christ.”

Originally backed with a hefty budget ($15-20 million) from Paramount Pictures, the film initially featured Aidan Quinn as Jesus, Harvey Keitel as Judas, Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene and Sting as Pontius Pilate. Weeks before shooting was to commence, the project was cancelled because Paramount was bombarded by a fierce letter-writing campaign from far-right religious groups. Scorsese was determined not to let studio politics and the Moral Majority get in the way of bringing “Last Temptation” to the screen. However in 1987 he got Universal Pictures to distribute the film, this time with a modest budget ($6-8 million) and this time with Willem Dafoe as Christ, David Bowie as Pilate, and Keitel and Hershey in their original roles.

Unlike the lavish Hollywood biblical epics of the past, “Last Temptation” would be a more contemporary but still progressively period piece. With his irreplaceable directorial knowledge, Scorsese brilliantly creates a unique interpretation on the life of Christ that manages to debunk the stock conventions in the genre. Instead of having the cast speak in Shakespearean dialect, Scorsese lets the actors speak in their natural accents. Instead of reconstructing the sets for Jerusalem and Nazareth, production designer John Beard uses the existing historical landmarks. And instead of composing the usual, pompous epic score, Peter Gabriel creates a beautiful, atmospheric score featuring organic sounds and avant-garde instruments. Though applying these artistic touches on such a low budget, Scorsese has taken “The Last Temptation of Christ” to another level of filmmaking.

While I managed to cast the controversy aside, the performances are perfect from across the board. Dafoe has effectively captured my undivided attention with his intense, humane portrayal as Christ. Despite a brief history of playing urban characters, Keitel exudes forcefulness and naturalness as his loyal friend Judas. Hershey brings a combination of alluring beauty and penetrating demeanor as Mary Magdalene. And David Bowie gives a naturalistic performance as the aristocratic-minded Pontius Pilate.

Thanks to the remarkable DVD release from Criterion, “The Last Temptation of Christ” can lastly be seen and heard minus the cackles from the hypocritical fundamentalists. I would undoubtedly place this underrated masterpiece high alongside “Mean Streets”, “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas.”

Great description

Great movie but need to read book also. Always interested in the times of Christ. Has been around but everyone needs to see this movie.

Last Temptation

Excellent showing of the human side of Christ. It is mostly with Judas' input. I wouldn't suggest it to someone who is a new Christian as it might cause questions, but someone who has read all 4 Gospels and is familiar with them could handle it. Not for children. The director makes a special note to say this is NOT based wholly on the Gospels, but is his theatrical interpretations. We know that Christ was tempted in ALL ways, so this could have been a possibility. The great dual purpose of Christ, in being God and man would create the biggest dilema: whether to be all one or the other, instead of both at once. Satan tempts Christ to cast off his Father's heavenly purpose and to just live a normal human life. It was very well done and very thought-provoking. I would not recommend it for "seekers" of the faith as it may cause more questions than answers. This movie is for someone who has walked as a disciple for a long time. It does have some nudity in it.

Item not criterion as stated...

Good product but not criterion as stated in description...................​..............................​........

Faith strengthened by this powerful film!

Attention: Possible Plot Spoilers for the movie: “The Last Temptation of Christ”

I saw the movie many years back and had been reminded of it recently, so I bought it. Since it was such a controversial movie, I'll get to the point. I liked the plot twist in its exploration of what if Jesus chose not to be sacrificed at the cross and decided instead to live a regular life and start a family. Had he done this, namely not taken up the cross, ultimately there never would have been salvation. However, he did take up the cross! This time not with the initial uncertainty and deep anguish he expressed to the Holy Father at Gethsemane (“Father, if it be your will, take this cup from me…”), but with renewed and vigorous fervor; as all his willing soul could voluntarily offer.

Additionally, to address the social issue that this movie wrought across nations and cultures across the Western world; I recall at the time of the initial premier that individual nuns and priests showed the courage to see the movie in theaters. After which they stated publicly (on TV and the media) that their faith was not shaken at all, but actually strengthened. I do Bible study and was thusly mystified with their curious remarks. So after hearing this, I followed their lead and saw the film. Yes it takes courage to watch this movie due to its provocative content and especially if you’re used to seeing Jesus as a one-dimensional character; or those who are more dogmatic than others. But afterward I completely agreed and connected with those holy folks who saw the film. I saw, especially at the very end of the movie, why good Christian faith need not be shaken but clearly empowered - but I can't just tell you! It would be giving the movie away!

However I can say this - if a person's faith, or argument for that matter, can not stand up to the test now and then, well perhaps that faith or argument is not strong enough to have or fight for in the first place. So yes, I highly recommend that you watch this movie as it presents a unique example of the ongoing classic battle between good and evil! Powerful ending!