Fuss over film ‘not justified’

Press, 24 September 1988, Page 15

Fuss over film ‘not justified’

NZPA London The furore over Martin Scorcese’s controversial film, “The Last Temptation of Christ,” is largely unjustified, according to London reviewers. The film, which opened in London on September 9, has been condemned as blasphemous by many Christians. Its British debut comes after a violent reception in the United States where threats of bombs and screen-slash-ing were experienced. But reviews of the film in British newspapers played down accusations of blasphemy. “The fiercest enemies of the film, should they actually steel themselves to see it, could hardly question the sincerity of its thesis which centres on the issue of Christ as the Son of God become man,” “The Times” said. The passage of the film which has most disturbed Christians is the crucifixion, where Christ is tempted by Satan in the guise of a pre-Raphaelite angel, and fantasises about making love to Mary Magdalene. But the “Guardian” reviewer pointed out that after the controversy had quietened — “when the film has been seen palpably not to deliver us a riproaring Jesus Christ Superstud” — it would be labelled as “sincere but dully and inadequately made.” ■