Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel and Paul Greco
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Willem Dafoe. Ever since his recognition in the 1980’s, Dafoe has become a beloved icon. Whether it is detectives inspecting murders, psychotic killers or green goblins, Dafoe has played several characters. Arguably, Dafoe’s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had the talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a focus of a movie, Dafoe has often left a lasting impression. Although he is most well-known for his famous role as Green Goblin within the Spider-Man movies, Dafoe has proven he can make engaging movies in every genre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Dafoe has created several memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Dafoe and admire all the movies which he has created in his career. However, “The Last Temptation of Christ” is definitely my favourite. Released in 1988, Martin Scorsese’s movie offered a powerful portrait of religion. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s one of the best films ever made about a religion. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Willem Dafoe, who portrays a religious figure experiencing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Last Temptation of Christ” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about religion, it discusses bold themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about a religious messiah, there are several strong reasons why “The Last Temptation of Christ” is a commemorated movie which is worth watching.
“The Last Temptation of Christ” follows the story about the rise of Christ. Willem Dafoe portrays Jesus, a humble carpenter with a strong association towards religion. Drawn into revolutionary action, Jesus is dedicated to his religion. However, Jesus’ life forever changes when he is discovers the painful consequences of being a religious messiah causing disaster. Carrying a heavy burden to bear, Jesus questions his devotion to a religion about which he used to care. Faced with tension, Jesus is forced to question his lifelong devotion to religion.
Martin Scorsese has always been drawn to themes of religion. A legendary filmmaker, Scorsese has often made engaging movies about religious figures facing disaster. His iconic movie “Mean Streets” offered a bold portrayal of mobsters with religious beliefs on mean streets. With “The Last Temptation of Christ”, however, Scorsese made his first historical drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the history of Jesus on a religious journey but he succeeded. Through strong cinematography, Scorsese captures a religious messiah embarking upon a dark journey. Emulating Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X”, Scorsese effectively uses handheld visuals to capture a religious messiah that seeks to find his identity. For instance, the handheld camerawork elevates the religious journeys scene. During this memorable scene, Jesus embarks on a religious journey paved with a tough adversity. Through stunning handheld camera, Scorsese crafts a strong portrait of religion that’s compelling. Handheld camera is tricky. As Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” did prove, handheld camerawork often elevates comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through stunning visuals. Scorsese captures tension religious figures are facing.
Another aspect of “The Last Temptation of Christ” meriting appreciation is production. Inspired by David Lean’s “The Lawrence of Arabia”, Scorsese effectively uses backdrop of deserts to capture religious figures that face a dilemma. For instance, the deserts backdrop enhances the crucification scene. During this memorable scene, Jesus faces tension when he experiences a crucification. Through strong desert locations, Scorsese captures the dire consequences of religion. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Peter Gabriel’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a terrifying atmosphere capturing the painful burdens that religious messiahs bear. Using strong production, Scorsese creates a compelling portrait of religion.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Last Temptation of Christ” is a movie about religion that’s engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively employs silence to capture lives of religious messiahs with experience. Evoking Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Scorsese effectively uses silence to capture religious messiahs seeking to be heard. For instance, silence enhances the religious ceremonies scene. During this unforgettable scene, Jesus is faced with a religious ceremony causing an adversity. Through silence, Scorsese crafts a strong portrait of religion that audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” suggested, silence enhances movies about isolation. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through an exceptional screenplay, Scorsese captures religious messages facing a price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Willem Dafoe delivers one of his best career performances as Jesus. Dafoe first attained appreciation for portraying villains of comic book movies. With “The Last Temptation of Christ”, however, he took on his most tricky role. It isn’t easy to play a religious messiah facing adversities but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most complex role. Through riveting expressions, he captures the angst, courage and religious devotion of a messiah with conviction. It’s a bold performance by one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Willem Dafoe, the supporting cast is also amazing. Harvey Keitel is fantastic, bringing charisma to a religious figure with a strong dedication to excel. Paul Greco is powerful, capturing the sorrow endured by a religious figure that has nowhere to go. Lastly, Verna Bloom merits appreciation. As the Mother of Jesus, she brings wisdom to the film.
Finally, “The Last Temptation of Christ” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing figures that are cherished. Unlike most films about religion, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as ambition, mental health and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the history of Christ to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Last Temptation of Christ” is one of those rare movies about religion everyone would adore.
Fans of Willem Dafoe would definitely enjoy “The Last Temptation of Christ” and so will movie-goers seeking bold entertainment. A riveting religious drama, it honours an iconic actor with charisma.
Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about religious messiahs which embark on a journey that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a courageous actor that has built a legendary legacy by portraying compelling characters in memorable movies audiences consider precious.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 