PASSION - MUSIC FROM THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

"The Last Temptation of Christ" is one of the most beautiful films I've seen from a cinematic perspective. It's unfortunate that many people have missed it because of the controversy. What they didn't realize was that the film was [A] a confessed work of fiction and [B] a very pro-faith message made clear at the end. It is a fictional story about Christ experiencing some of the fears and temptations of mankind and overcoming them, beating them, and being a great example for mankind. It shows him rejecting Satan's offer to help him so that he could save mankind. All of these controversial "obscene" visions that people objected to took place only within thought as he was dying on the cross, and he never engaged in them. He rejects them outright in a very dramatic ending.

It is a drop-dead gorgeous film to watch, and Gabriel's "Passion" is what helps brings the movie to life. There are very few films I can think of where the music is such an integral part of the overall experience. An army of exotic instruments, painstaking attention to detail, and beautiful performances from musicians from all over the globe set against a backdrop of North African rhythms. The music is world music based and injected with some of the ambient elements that will make it appeal very much to fans of Popol Vuh, Third Ear Band, or Eno. The music is so very successful at transporting the listener to the film's location and making what you see believable-when you think about this is really the primary goal of the soundtrack-to make what you see plausible to your mind.

Peter Gabriel recalls "I was excited to be asked to work on the music. When I first discussed the project with Martin in '83 I wanted to find out how he was intending to film this controversial novel. He wanted to present the struggle between the humanity and divinity of Christ in a powerful and original way, and I was convinced by his commitment to the spiritual content and message...We recorded some of the finest singers and soloists in the field of world music.it was a wonderful experience working with such different and idiosyncratic musicians."

Gabriel fans should note that the Criterion DVD of the film contains an interview with Peter, along with still photos of the unusual instruments used in the soundtrack. If you have not heard the music or watched the film, do so and experience both at the same time. They are a perfect marriage and neither is as effective alone. Decide for yourself where the heart of this film resides. At the time I watched the film, I felt it was very pro-faith and couldn't really understand why many good people couldn't see it. Perhaps it was me who missed the boat, but in any case, this is a music review and not a film review.

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