Review of The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) by Gabriella P — 14 Sep 2011

This was the hardest film I have ever tried to watch with an open mind toward. I got through it, but I can't say that my beliefs didn't effect the score I give it. I'll start out with some positives. Scorsese deserved his Oscar nomination for best director. The directing and cinematography are both gorgeous. Like all of Scorsese's other films this has a rich and believable world which is fully realized in its time and place. Also, Dafoe gives an unwavering performance as a man named jesus (he does not play Jesus). He and Keitel both give emotional and intense performances as their characters.

However, the liberties that Scorsese takes with the biblical story cross over into heresy in more ways than one. This deeply upset me because as a man with a deep and real relationship with Christ, it contradicted my entire faith. I recognize that this is clearly a personal distaste for this film and I don't blame anyone for disagreeing with me. At the onset it establishes this film as a fictional story so I don't even blame the filmmakers for my rejection of this film. I just believe that when it comes to the biblical word of God, which is the foundation of my life, you shouldn't portray it in such a real way, and yet with so many heresies. I am perfectly open to stories which try to challenge or question Christianity, but it crosses the line when a story masquerades as biblical truth when it obviously isn't.

I want to reiterate that I hold no grudge against the filmmakers, or people who disagree with this extremely personal review. It simply left a bad taste in my mouth knowing that some people may walk away from this film thinking it to be truth, when it strays so far from the doctrine which I believe to be absolute fact.