I am a devout Christian, or at least I do my best to be, and I had heard so much about this film from various sources. I heard from Christian watchdog groups that it was blasphemous, and from some critics and Scorsese himself that it was OK, and from my own sister that it was horrible. I read an argument discussing that Ebert saw images of blackface in BAMBOOZLED as offensive enough to cancel the value of the entire film, but gave LAST TEMPTATION a positive review, and finally was overwhelmed enough with curiosity that I got my hands on a DVD copy and watched it. I've got to say that I lean towards Scorsese. It is one exploration of the the mortal side of the humanity-divinity paradox of Christian theology, and taken as such, is an excellent film. I have read much of what Scorsese has to say about the production concept, so the plethora of accents doesn't bother me -- as the various psychonarrative devices display, this is not a purely realistic production, but more expressionistic realism. I was impressed with every aspect of the film, although I thought that it did run slow a few places, particularly in the actual "last temptation" sequence, but perhaps that was because I'd already been spoiled so many times about what happened in that sequence. As for the blasphemy of the sequence, Jesus having sex is an uncomfortable image, as is Paul's confrontation with the aging Jesus. However, it is to the artistic advantage of the film that the entire sequence be extremely disturbing, because, especially to Christians, the entire idea of Christ not following through with His passion, should be disturbing. This sequence seems to achieve its effect. However, Jesus talking about having sinned, and making crosses for the Romans, and continually changing His message, are the more offensive aspects to the film for me as a believer. Then again, with the proper disclaimers -- this is not fact, it is a piece of art, and intended only to explore Jesus as a human portrait, and taken as a whole-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts, I consider this one of my all-time favorites, and the best Scorsese picture ever. I highly recommend seeing it and making a judgment for yourself using these guidelines, no matter what your faith, although I would use caution as it could be a stumbling block to an immature faith without the above guidelines of interpretation.
