From Elsewhere… Top 10 Banned Films of the 20th Century

#03 – THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST [1988]

“I am here to set fire to the world!” Martin Scorsese directed this adaption of Nikos Kazantzakis’ controversial 1953 novel that is notable for the scandal it caused as well as for its bizarre casting that included Willem Dafoe as Jesus, Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene, Harvey Keitel as Judas Iscariot, David Bowie as Pontius Pilate and Harry Dean Stanton as Paul. Numerous religious leaders throughout the United States organized protests against The Last Temptation of Christ (many of whom didn’t bother to make an effort to watch the film!) and several Southern cities such as Savannah, Georgia, banned the film. In addition, Blockbuster Video initially refused to carry the title in its stores. Scorsese was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for his efforts (Barry Levinson ended up winning the award for Rain Man).

Read the rest of the list at The Tin Drum

Tags: 1953, 1988, barbara hershey, david bowie, harry dean stanton, harvey keitel, martin scorsese, nikos kazantzakis, willem dafoe

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