Assignment #3
The above scene is from Martin Scorsese’s 1988 epic The Last Temptation of Christ. The scene takes place outdoors in a rocky, arid locale. The action occurs primarily in a minor depression of the ground. The depression is surround by earthy walls and sparse dessert foliage. The day is clear and bright, but the lay of the land creates some shade around the action. The soundscape is sparse like the landscape–composed of the rattling of jewelry, the thumping of stones, the quiet warbling of birds, and, at the end, a rhythmic, understated composition from Peter Gabriel. The characters all wear simple dessert robes–beige and brown–except for Mary, who dons a black dress and golden jewelry.
The lay of the land creates a confrontational tone. The antagonists control the upper ground and the protagonists are relegated to the lowest point. The scene is, however, not overly sinister or climactic in tone. The relatively bright lighting and the simple costumes assure the viewer that this is merely a minor encounter at the beginning of what will become a far more complex and important journey. The sparse soundscape and landscape impart a lack of comfort, but the music at the end ensures that the viewer exits the scene feeling optimistic and invigorated.
This scene is standard fare for a film that falls within the epic genre. It is the initial chance for the hero to prove himself. The hero has not yet made a name for himself, and he is not entirely confident, but he is somehow inspired and is able to prove that he has the potential to change the world he lives in. Willem Dafoe’s acting breathes life into the otherwise unremarkable scene. Through body language, he is able to portray a scared and unsure man who is suddenly filled with divine confidence. Throughout the film, Dafoe’s ability to display convincing self-doubt results in a compelling, humanized Jesus Christ.