When the book was published in 1972 The Last Temptation of Christ Nikos Kazantzakis caused a great stir. Not only because it was a unique look at the figure of Jesus Christ, which included the context of those around him. And also because it has moved away from the divine perfection attributed to it to the exploration of its most human aspect and even closer to doubt. This provided a much more sensitive and moving dimension to the important religious figure. A preview of what was to come with the so-called blasphemous films.
When Martin Scorsese announced he would be bringing the story to the big screen, it caused concern. Moreover, the director, known for his views on the cruelty and darkness of people, admitted that he wanted to show a completely different Jesus Christ than in the contemplative film versions before. The result is an uncomfortable film, deeply moving and, ultimately, a controversial look at faith, ethical doubt and even psychological pain. Which caused the anger of believers, censorship from the Vatican and even threats against the director.
Of course, the ability to shock all types of audiences at the same time is not unique to Scorsese. Although, without a doubt, this was the most direct attempt to do so. If you want to explore blasphemy in cinema, we leave you with seven films and where to watch them. From the story of a biblical patriarch who is confused by his view of evil, to the violence defended by religion. And all this in order to delve deeper into the complex situation of blasphemy in cinema.
Noah
In 2014, Darren Aronofsky directed and wrote this vision of the biblical patriarch responsible for the mythical ark and the salvation, according to Scripture, of all life on Earth. But before choosing the mystical or, at least, divine mission of Noah, the director imagined a world of colossal proportions, in which the river apocalypse is the least of the problems.
So, the legendary character (played by Russell Crowe) will have to face everything from the opposition of his neighbors and friends to the great holy project he has been entrusted with, to the presence of angels. The latter look more like alien figures than exquisite spirits of goodness.
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Thus, Noah ended up feeling more like a science-fiction epic than a re-examination of biblical history. This combination surprised audiences, angered believers and sparked months of debate around the film. All which ultimately impacted its box office performance and even its time in awards season.
This film can be found on Disney+.
Brian’s life
In 1979, Terry Jones directed the legendary Monty Python in his most controversial film. And then, reinterpreting the life of Jesus Christ only through an exceptional witness: a resident of Jerusalem, who is ultimately also called the Messiah. But what begins as a series of misunderstandings It soon becomes the wildest excuse to make fun of everything imaginable.
About Jesus Christ and the mystery of his birth, the name of his mother and even the crucifixion. There was not a single aspect of biblical history that did not pass through the secular humor of a group of English comedians. Which, of course, aroused the anger of Catholics around the world and even banned the screening of the film in some places in England and the USA. On the history of secular cinema.
You can find this movie on Netflix.
Stigma
This 1999 horror classic used the Catholic Church’s most mysterious mystical phenomenon to tell a thriller that grew darker by the minute. Frankie Page (Patricia Arquette) is an ordinary girl who, having received a crucifix as a gift from her mother, begins to show the legendary wounds of Jesus Christ on her body. Besides, to have something that everything points to, These are trances in which you communicate with the supernatural.
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Things get worse when the Vatican asks Father Andrew Kiernan (Gabriel Byrne) to check the authenticity of the supposed miracle. Which leads to the discovery that what’s happening to Frankie is far more insidious and mundane than he realized. Of course, the use of stigma as a pretext for a terrible conspiracy has worried the Vatican and especially those who believe that the signs of Christ as one of His most mysterious manifestations.
This film can be found on Prime Video.
Irreproachable
That same year, director Michael Mohan earned rebuke from American conservative groups for Irreproachable. The film, which starred Sydney Sweeney, soon sparked complaints and even angry protests on social media, ranking high on the list of blasphemous films. Cause? That the whole plot revolves around the miraculous conception of a very young nun locked in an Italian monastery.
Much Worse: A mystery told from Cecilia’s (Sweeney’s) point of view and discomfort, becoming undisputed Scream Queen), turned out to be more tortuous than expected. It involves the blood of Christ, a crucifixion nail, and even an attempt to clone an important religious figure. Interesting fact? Neon, which distributed the film, used hateful epithets against the film as a form of advertising. Blasphemous success, no matter how you look at it.
This film can be found on Prime Video.
Demons
In 1971, Ken Russell took the true story of Urbain Grandier, a French priest accused of debauching a monastery, and turned it into a controversial film that horrified Catholic audiences. The story, set in the 17th century, follows Grandier (Oliver Reed) and Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave) They turn a sacred place into a territory of heresy and horror.
Filled with gruesome, sexually explicit and mostly disgusting scenes, the film almost immediately became the target of the discomfort and ire of the Catholic faithful. This, despite the fact that the director cut out six minutes of controversial material, to achieve classification for all audiences.
This film can be found on Filmin.
Path
In 2008, director Javier Fesser freely adapted the life of Reverend Alexia Gonzalez-Barros and turned it into an overview of Opus Dei and its tenets. What begins as the story of a girl who falls in love and dies almost simultaneously ends with a conflicted view of religious discipline. modern good or evil.
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The ribbon’s position sparked angry comments from Opus Dei members and a nasty debate about transit a death that deepens Catholic jurisdiction.
This film can be found on Prime Video.
corrupt lieutenant
Almost by accident, this mediocre work by director Abel Ferrara became food for controversy among believers around the world and ended up on the list of blasphemous films. This, showing redemption in the vein of sacrifice, which included bloody hallucinogenic visions, a brutal scene of sexual violence and suggestive references to Christian symbols.
An uncomfortable and difficult story to swallow, much of which highlights the possibility that extreme pain and gratuitous violence are ways to atone for sins. A message that upset religious groups and even a video rental chain blockbuster, as a result, the film was removed from the options list.
This film can be found on Prime Video.
Source: Hiper Textual
