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Features: DVD
At last, Martin Scorsese’s most personal masterpiece can be viewed outside of the controversy it engendered, and seen for what it is: a 15-year labor of love. Nikos Kazantzakis’ landmark novel comes to breathtaking life in this moving and spiritual film. The all-star cast includes Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie, and Willem Dafoe as Jesus. Criterion is proud to present this cinematic treasure in an exclusive Director Approved special edition. Featuring shot-by-shot commentary, an interview with Peter Gabriel, and Scorsese’s own home movies made during the filming.Click here for more Criterion favorites!
"...imaginative work..." Time Out Film Guide
"...Scorsese has succeeded in crafting a truly elegant and thought-provoking treatise on spirituality and existence--clearly a labor of love." Find-A-Video
Editor's Note
This striking vision from the mind of director Martin Scorsese offers an allegorical interpretation of the last days of Jesus Christ, based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis. Based strictly on Kazantzakis's book, the film has a very different focus than past portraits of the "Messiah." This Jesus (Willem Defoe) is a man wracked with doubt over his position among his followers and fear of the role God has chosen for him, as well as the pain that must accompany it. He is unsure whether the messages he receives come from God or Satan, and he is tempted by a mortal life filled with earthly possessions and sensual love, resulting in a controversial, though genuinely sympathetic, account of Christianity's most revered figure. Scorsese establishes a dreamlike mood by combining Michael Ballhaus?s photography with a transcendent soundtrack by Peter Gabriel in order to fully explore the idea that perhaps Jesus was both God and man. Rather than train his assembled cast to deliver their lines in historically accurate dialects, Scorsese lets each individual speak with their true accent, which makes for an initially jarring, yet eventually moving, experience. In addition to Defoe, Barbara Hershey, David Bowie, and Harvey Keitel all deliver sincere performances that fulfill Scorsese's vision even more completely.
Plot Summary
Despite controversy surrounding the production, Scorsese's film is an honestly felt and in many ways sympathetic contemplation of Christianity.
| Features | English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired | | Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition | | An extensive collection of research materials, production stills, and costume designs | | Location production footage, shot by Scorsese himself | | Video interview with composer Peter Gabriel, plus a stills gallery of the instruments used in the film | | New widescreen digital transfer, approved by the filmmakers and enhanced for widescreen televisions | | New Dolby Digital 5.1 channel soundtrack by original supervising sound editor Skip Lievsay | | Audio commentary by Martin Scorsese, Willem Dafoe, Paul Schrader, and Jay Cocks | | Peter Gabriel Interview | | Stills Of Musical Instruments Used In The Film | | Behind-The-Scenes Footage | | Willem Defoe Commentary | | Paul Shrader Commentary | | Jay Cocks Commentary | | Widescreen Version | | 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital | | Martin Scorsese Commentary |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Home Vision/Public Media |
| Release Date: 4/25/2000 |
| Running Time: 163 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1988 | | Catalog ID: 1555-D | | UPC: 00715515010528 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English [CC], English | | Available Subtitles: English | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Oscar (1989) | | | Martin Scorsese, Nominee, Best Director | |
Golden Globe (1989) | | | Peter Gabriel, Nominee, Best Original Score-Motion Picture | | | Barbara Hershey, Nominee, Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture |
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| | Professional Reviews | New York Times
"...THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST finally exerts enormous power....[A] mightily affirmative, truly visceral impact..." 08/12/1988 p.C1Los Angeles Times
"...Scorsese varies his calm moments with swirling ones, brimming with visual rapture..." 08/12/1988 p.C1 Premiere
"...This is a hugely ambitious and genuinely reverent film..." 06/01/2003 p.100 Sight and Sound
"...One of the most controversial films of the 80s..." 04/01/2001 p.64 Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide 7 of 10
Thought-provoking and deeply felt drama adapted from Nikos Kazantzakis' book which speculates about Jesus' self-doubts when he realizes he has been chosen by God to carry His message. Moments of great power and beauty are diminished somewhat by mundane dialogue and slow stretches; still worthwhile, with a genuine feeling for time and place that helps make the story vivid and real.
Washington Post 7 of 10
...visually and aurally stupendous: Cinematographer Michael Ballhaus seems to create his own sun rays, and you can almost taste the dusty existence of ancient life. Peter Gabriel's sound track, a dream of synthesized themes and exotic percussion, is also stirring and propulsive. But the most obvious strength in this commendably bold (and needlessly denounced) project is Willem Dafoe's performance as Jesus. Born with striking features and grown into a compelling actor with a silky voice, the chiseled Dafoe keeps you transfixed. - Desson Howe
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