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The Last Temptation of Christ

Die letzte Versuchung Christi
Homage 2018
© 1988 Universal City Studios
Jesus, a Jewish carpenter from Bethlehem, who makes the crosses that the Roman occupiers use for executions, hears the voice of God. He gathers disciples around him and travels the land performing miracles. Judas, tasked with winning him over to the political resistance, also joins the group. In Jerusalem, Jesus brings down the ire of the religious and secular authorities upon himself. But it is not until Judas betrays him that he is captured and nailed to a cross. Whereupon a guardian angel appears to him … In Martin Scorsese’s extremely controversial film adaptation of the eponymous novel, the redeemer is confronted with a range of worldly temptations, giving Dafoe a platform for one of his most powerful onscreen performances. The actor, who was just 33 when the film premiered, proved to be the perfect casting for a “son of man” haunted by doubts. On the one hand, he gave credible expression to the religious fervour of a protagonist who became increasingly convinced of his mission. On the other hand, his powerful physical presence made for a vivid incarnation of the Bible’s “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
by Martin Scorsese
with Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Paul Greco, Steven Shill, Verna Bloom, Barbara Hershey, Irvin Kershner, Harry Dean Stanton, Peter Berling, David Bowie USA / Canada 1988 English 163’ Colour Rating R16

With

  • Willem Dafoe
  • Harvey Keitel
  • Paul Greco
  • Steven Shill
  • Verna Bloom
  • Barbara Hershey
  • Irvin Kershner
  • Harry Dean Stanton
  • Peter Berling
  • David Bowie

Crew

Director Martin Scorsese
Screenplay Paul Schrader based on the novel “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1960) by Nikos Kazantzakis
Cinematography Michael Ballhaus
Editing Thelma Schoonmaker
Music Peter Gabriel
Sound Skip Lievsay
Production Design John Beard
Art Director Andrew Sanders
Costumes Jean-Pierre Delifer
Make-Up Manlio Rocchetti
Producer Barbara De Fina

Produced by

Testament Productions für/for Universal Pictures Corp.