Review: Last Temptation of Christ - Criterion Collection

Pillars of the faith

A warm portrayal of Christ is enhanced by this movie's humane treatment of Judas. Both depictions should encourage Christians to question their faith -- in a positive way, writes Mark Cantrell

Last Temptation of Christ - Criterion Collection

Starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel

Directed by Martin Scorsese, 1988

 

WHEN it was originally released, Scorsese's masterful Last Temptation of Christ stirred up a storm of controversy. The reasoning - if such it can be called - for this furore can only be attributed to the triumph of dogma over reason.

The film, based faithfully on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis, is a wonderfully sympathetic and human portrayal of the man Christ. What is refreshing is the treatment of Judas, stoically portrayed by Harvey Keitel.

Between these two men is a powerful rapport. So unlike, their relationship is the central focus of the movie. Far from being the cringing 'Jew' of Catholic propaganda, Judas is here portrayed as the strong man, the sword-wielding revolutionary firebrand who initially rejects Christ's teachings of peace.

Both are revolutionaries in their own way. Willem Dafoe's Christ is the sympathetic, thoughtful flip-side to Keitel's tough determination. And both their traits are needed to fulfil Christ's destiny of dying for mankind.

When it comes to that time, only his own strength and his love for Christ allows Judas to outwardly betray Christ.

It is this revision of the Judas myth and the relationship between the two men that brings the film to life. Perhaps this is one source of the controversy. The next is certainly the final temptation.

On the cross, nagged by all too human doubts, he is tricked by the devil. He succumbs and lives out a normal life as a family man.

Finally, it is Judas who penetrates the trickery and reveals to Christ that he has been fooled. Once more, his strength and anger, along with his relationship to Christ that lifts the veil from the latter man's eyes.

In so doing, it reveals the strength of the Christ character. For now his choice is far tougher; to fulfil the plan, to die for all mankind, he must not only face the pain of the cross, but sacrifice the family and the life he has since known.

Scorsese has taken a novel, itself based on revisions of the Gospel, and woven these strands into a startling human story. Forget the controversy, enjoy the film and a refreshing tale of human endurance and spirit that does no disfavour to Christianity.

MC

First published on the Internet of Film, 2001