Martin Scorsese Reveals His Next Project Will be About Jesus’ Life
By Movieguide® Contributor
Famed director Martin Scorsese revealed that his next movie will focus on the life of Jesus.
“I responded to the Pope’s appeal to artists the only way I know how: by imagining and writing a screenplay for a film about Jesus and I’m about to start making it,” Scorsese told Antonio Spadaro, editorial director of the Jesuit magazine La Civiltà Cattolica (The Catholic Civilization).
Given the topic, Movieguide® is especially cautious about Scorsese’s work.
He often incorporates heavy violence, sexual content, and drug use in his movies, which causes box office failure and repels families. While Christ Himself welcomes children, Scorcese does not. He would do well to find his inspiration in the Bible and stay away from human error.
Scorsese has worked on two Christian films in the past. The first, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, is considered one of the most blasphemous movies ever made. It portrays Jesus as weak and unsure of whether he is the Son of God, as well as a man who lusts after women. THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST was released in 1988.
Nearly 30 years later, in 2016, Scorsese released another Christian film, SILENCE. This time, Scorsese redeemed himself with the faithful representation of the classic Christian novel of the same name. A portion of Movieguide®’s review of SILENCE reads:
SILENCE is a historical drama from Martin Scorsese set in 17th Century Japan. Two young Catholic priests, Father Sebastian and Father Francisco, secretly travel to Japan, where Christians are undergoing intense, brutal persecution by the shogun running the country from what is now Tokyo. Reports have reached overseas that the leading Catholic priest in Japan, Father Ferreira has renounced his father. Eventually, Sebastian is captured and jailed. The shogun’s inquisitor tortures Japanese Christians to get Sebastian to renounce his own faith.
Though sometimes slow, SILENCE is superbly filmed and acted. Director Martin Scorsese directs one of his best movies. Andrew Garfield, who also stars in Mel Gibson’s wonderful Christian movie, HACKSAW RIDGE, once again gives an excellent performance; so do the other English language and Japanese actors. Best of all, SILENCE is nothing like Scorsese’s blasphemous TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Christian faith is often respected. In fact, despite the apostasy and doubt that occurs, the ending actually confirms faith in Jesus Christ’s work on the Cross. SILENCE does contain scenes of extreme, disturbing violence and some complex theology. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises extreme caution.
Given the difference between THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST and SILENCE Movieguide® is hopeful that Scorsese’s upcoming movie will adhere to true biblical narrative and biblical principles. However, it is difficult to know the nature of the movie until more details about the project are shared. Given that Scorsese wrote the script in response to the Pope’s call for Christian art, it is likely to be a movie honoring the Christian faith.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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