The Last Temptation of Christ - Criterion Collection

Starring:Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Paul Greco, Steve Shill, Verna Bloom, Barbara Hershey, Roberts Blossom, Barry Miller, Gary Basaraba, Irvin Kershner, Victor Argo, Michael Been, Paul Herman, John Lurie, Leo Burmester, Andre Gregory, Peggy Gormley, Randy Danson, Robert Spafford, Doris von Thury
Director: Martin Scorsese
Studio: Criterion
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

It isn't difficult to imagine why this 1988 retelling of the Crucifixion story was picketed vociferously upon release--this Jesus bears little resemblance to the classical Christ, who was not, upon careful review of the Gospels, ever reported to have had sex with Barbara Hershey. Heavily informed by Gnostic reinterpretations of the Passion, The Last Temptation of Christ (based rather strictly on Nikos Kazantzakis's novel of the same name) is surely worth seeing for the controversy and blasphemous content alone, but it's difficult to find in skittish chain video stores. But the "last temptation" of the title is nothing overtly naughty--rather, it's the seduction of the commonplace; the desire to forgo following a "calling" in exchange for domestic security. Willem Dafoe interprets Jesus as spacy, indecisive, and none too charismatic (though maybe that's just Dafoe himself), but his Sermon on the Mount is radiant with visionary fire; a bit less successful is method actor Harvey Keitel, who gives the internally conflicted Judas a noticeable Brooklyn accent, and doesn't bring much imagination to a role that demands a revisionist's approach. Despite director Martin Scorsese's penchant for stupid camera tricks, much of the desert footage is simply breathtaking, even on small screen. Ultimately, Last Temptation is not much more historically illuminating than Monty Python's Life of Brian, but hey, if it's authenticity you're after, try Gibbon's. --Miles Bethany

Description

At last, Martin Scorsese's most personal masterpiece can be seen outside of the controversy it engendered, and be seen for what it is: a l5-year labor of love. Nikos Kazantzakis' landmark novel comes to breathtaking life in this moving and spiritual film. The all-star cast includes Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie, and Willem Dafoe as Jesus. Criterion is proud to present this cinematic treasure in an exclusive Director Approved special edition.

Customer Reviews:

NOTHING SHORT OF A MASTERWORK!.......2007-06-27

For me, this is one of the very few utterly realistic depictions of the life of Christ ever made. Terrific acting, that great Peter Gabriel soundtrack, Scorsese (need say more?), and every other production value you could name, make this one of the all time greats.
Why in the world did the Psycho Branch of so-called Christians have such a tantrum about this film? I have never seen anything more REVERANT and respectful of the life of Jesus Christ than this brilliant film. Firstly, the story is not purported to be Gospel (a point that the ignorance of Fun!dementedists cannot grasp.); secondly, in the story, Jesus DEFEATS Satan utterly during the last temptation [to become a normal man and live a normal life], and willingly makes the last sacrifice for the sake of all mankind. This is blasphemy??? Only to an ignorant fool.
Also, this film is brutally realistic in its scathing interpretation of a subject people in the ancient desert. It's dirty, smelly, and even Jesus has bad teeth. This is probably how it may have been in those times.
The Avatar Jesus Christ has never before been portrayed with such love and respect. Equal consideration has been given to the Christ's role as the Avatar of Miracles, which He was and is.
So grab this film while you are still allowed to do so. It changed my life for the better, and I am not even a Christian as I believe in Avataristic Succession.

Why is this offensive???.......2007-06-25

I do not understand the controversy that surrounded this movie. The director assumes the divinity of Jesus but tries to show us how it may have been to assume the role as son of god, how hard that may have been. This movie truly accepts jesus as god! Jesus can heal people and even raise them from the dead. Why is this controversial? I've read the bible--a few times, actually--and was raised in a conservative christian home. I do not see anything blasphemous about this movie. I wouldn't care if the movie was heretical--I am an atheist and don't give a crap about insulting a god that doesn't exist. However, I understand people have strong feelings for their religion, and the fact is, they have totally misinterpreted this movie because it does not violate ANY christian views or principals. Come on people, get out your DVD player, your bible, your brain, and sit down to an amazing look at what Jesus's life may have been like. It is a fantastic experience! Enjoy!

Great Movie!.......2007-05-31

I am A Conservative Republican, and I Enjoyed this Film! I'd Recommend this movie to anyone(Christians to Non-Christians) That is if you can find this movie. It is a hard movie to find, and it is Expensive too.(I got mine off of E-bay for under $10.00) This movie is worth every penny! The central thesis of the movie is that Jesus, while free from sin, was still subject to every form of temptation that humans face, including fear, doubt, depression, reluctance, and lust. By facing and conquering all of man's weaknesses, Christ became the perfect model for our lives; he sacrificed not only on the cross, but throughout his life. He struggled to do God's will, without ever giving in to the temptations of the flesh.

I Hate This Movie!.......2007-04-21

The only thing positive I can say about this movie is Barbara Hershey looks good naked. But who goes to a biblical movie to check out naked babes?

In this movie, "Jesus" puts his carpentry skills to work building crosses for the Romans. He whines to Harvey Keitel's Judas that he (Jesus) never tells the truth, is afraid of everything, needs forgiveness for his own sins--in other words, he fits the the description of half the actors in Hollywood. Before the movie was halfway over, I wanted to crucify this phony "Jesus" myself!

I rate this piece of garbage a negative 10.

Saw it 15 times-will see it again, and again........2007-04-16

I sat and watched this movie 3 times in a row, over a period of 3 days. I know that sounds ridiculous-but there is so much going on in this film it is the only way to capture everything.

Devout christians will probably consider this film blasphemous.
The acting could have been better, but I love Scorcese and that made up for it. Scorcese captures the simplicity of the life of Jesus, and of him being more of a man than a God.
There is nothing but symbolism throughout the film. The soundtrack written by Peter Gabriel, is the most amazing soundtrack of any film I have ever seen.
The film is actually better than the book.

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