|
|
|
|
|
 |
The Last Temptation of Christ
Martin Scorsese, USA, 1988; 164 mins.
The novel on which this film is based
restages the central struggle of author Nikos Kazantzakis' life, work and
tradition: the eternal clash of flesh and spirit. Given that the Incarnation
marks history's first and only true integration in of those oppositions, the
setting seems entirely appropriate. But this treatment is less a
conventional Gospel than use of the Gospel as a vehicle for exploring that
conflict, and the material is reshaped in ways that some have found
profoundly disturbing, while others have experienced as an unexpected gateway
to a meaningful encounter with the Biblical Christ. This version bounces
between human and Divine extremes, climaxing in Christ's lengthy vision on
the Cross as he reconsiders the earthly life he is rejecting. The
collaborators for the screen version are famously Christ-haunted in three
traditions: Orthodox-raised Kazantzakis, Catholic director Martin Scorsese
and Calvin College-grad screenwriter Paul Schrader create an agonizingly
personal confrontation with their own beliefs and doubts. Those who approach
this film expecting - based on its controversial reputation - either artistic
perfection or diabolical genius are liable to be disappointed, for the film
is conflicted at every level - thematically and tonally, not to mention
theologically — yet the film remains, if problematic, a provocative, often
insightful and most certainly engaging work.
See longer review in Flickerings' "Epic Survey of Jesus Films"
The Last Temptation of Christ
is part of "The Gospel According to Tax Collectors &
Sinners" track of the Featured Screenings program at Flickerings at Cornerstone Festival,
July 1-4, 2004.See complete Schedule
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
