72SSIFF - 20/28 September 2024
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The Last Temptation of Christ

Martin Scorsese
USA
Not in competition
Synopsis

This film is a modern interpretation of Jesus as a man suffering from anguish and doubts about fate and his mission in life. The prologue of Kazantzakis' novel clearly states that it "tries to affectionately explore the eternal spiritual conflict: the fight between flesh and soul". 

In his agony Jesus, who is suffering from headaches, is hesitant, undecided, and lacks the security necessary to be sure that the voice which he hears comes from God and not from Satan. He has been accused by his best friend, Judas, of collaborating with the Romans for using his skills as a carpinter in the construction of crosses, the same ones which are used for crucifixions. After having saved Mary from a stoning, Jesus tries out a new stage of his mission as religious leader, preaching the gospel and to love thy neighbour. But he is still crucified and, in the last moments before death, pass as if in a dream where Jesus wonders what his life could have been like if it had been "normal". He imagines that he gets married to Mary Magdalene, and makes love to her; here there are a couple of scenes which have created controversy. Sorrounded by his family and friends, Jesus gets old and accuses Paul the Evangelist of being a liar for declaring that Jesus died on the cross and that, three days later, he rose from the dead. 

Director
Martin Scorsese (USA)
Running Time
144 m.
Country
USA
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