Don't Be Afraid of This Temptation

I remember when this movie first came out in 1988. I was living in San Diego at the time, and there was much controversy about this film. We went to the theatres to see it and there was a large crowd outside picketing the showing of this film. There were so many people wanting to see it that we had to order tickets in advance and come back the next day. Before entering the theatre, we had to go through a metal detector and my purse was searched for weapons. I had heard the theatre received several bomb threats and so security was heightened. People were shouting, requesting we not watch this movie as it was an abomination and sacrilegious.

I think that my reasons for wanting to see this movie were more because of the controversy surrounding it than my actual desire to see it. After viewing the movie, I remember leaving and asking the picketing crowds to see the movie for themselves before judging it. Months later, it was promptly forgotten as are so many other movies that I have seen before.

This past week, "The Last Temptation of Christ" was shown on expanded basic cable on the IFC channel. Naturally, I was drawn to see this movie once again, having a flood of memories of the first time I saw it in the theatres.

"The Last Temptation of Christ is a Martin Scorsese film based on a book by Nikos Kazantzakis. The movie, as well as the book, is based on the interpretations of Kazantzakis and his views on what Christ might have been like as a man and a human being. The movie portrays Christ more as a human than a prophet, who is full of self doubts and normal "earthly" temptations that interfere with his "religious duties".

This is a good film, for film's sake, if for no other reason. Scorsese is an incredible director and his work with this film is no exception. His meticulous attention to detail and realism is finely exhibited in this film. The movie portrays fairly accurately what the times must have been like during the life of Christ.

As a Catholic and a Christian, I do not necessarily agree with the views of the life of Christ as depicted in this film. As a American with respect for individualism and the right to free speech, I appreciate the attention to detail and art work of the film. I do not think that the film is harmful in anyway, as some had believed back in 1988. If a person is comfortable in their religious beliefs, I do not think this movie will raise serious or contemplating questions that would waver one's personal convictions.

This is a definite must see film. If for no other reason, that I think the controversy surrounding this video over twelve years ago is a piece of our American history and yet another foiled attempt by those who would like to censor what others would watch.