WAR:"The Last Temptation of Jesus" The following information was supplied by mastermedia International, a non-profit orginization whose purpose is to share Christ with leaders of the film and television industry, and to show Christians how they can have a positive influence on the media. Origin of the story Nikos Kazantzakis wrote a fictional novel in 1955, "The Last Temptation of Christ", for which he was reportedly excommunicated from the Greek Orthodox Church. The History of the Film Version Paramount Studios dropped the project in 1983 due, in part, to pressure from Christians. Director Martin Scorsese sold the idea to Universal Studios and produced a $10-million version, which was finished in June 1988. Basis for Evaluating the Film's Content The original novel, two versions of the script by Paul Scrader (one of which was represented by Universal as the "shooting script") and an eyewitness account of the film as shown to Universal "insiders" provide the basis for evaluation. Content of the Film that is Offensive to Christians (1) Mary declares that her son Jesus is "crazy" and "not well in the head." (2) Jesus is depicted as having "brain fever", "struggling over his sins", lust-driven (especially for Mary Magdalene), confused, bedeviled by "nightmares and hallucinations", not able to answer basic questions about His identity, and shocked by His own magical powers. (3) There are clear references to a youthful sexual encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene in which Jesus did not lose his virginity. (4) Jesus is shown waiting in line at Mary Magdalene's brothel and entering the darkened room where she lies naked. (5) One scene shows copulating snakes, one of which speaks to Jesus in Mary Magdalene's voice. (6) In a dream sequence Jesus marries Mary Magdalene and has sex with her, kissing her on or near her breasts, as an angel is invited by Jesus to watch. (7) Jesus convinces Judas to betray Him. (8) Jesus declares to Mary Magdalene, "...Woman is God's greatest work. And I worship you. God sleeps between your legs." Efforts to Work With Universal to Alter the Film Before the contents of the film were really known, Universal hired a film producer ans film marketing expert, Tim Penland, a Christian, to "build bridges to the Christian community." Penland was joined by a "secret consultant", Dr. Larry Poland, with expertise in the dynamics and structure of the evangelical Christian community. Universal promised to invite Christian leaders to a mid-June screening "far in advance of the release date" and sent invitation letters confirming this. Martin scorsese assured questioners that he was making a "faith affirming" film and that Jesus would be depicted "as sinless, as deity, and as the savior of the world." Based on these assurances, Christian leaders agreed to "hold their fire" on the film until its contents could be more clearly determined. Breakdown of Relations With Universal As the date for the screening for Christian leaders drew near, Universal "waffled" on its commitment. A "bootleg script" was spirited out of Universal by a studio employee and fell into the hands of Christian leaders. Universal executives then declared that "the Christians can't stop us from releasing this film." Penland, true to his original statement to Universal that he would terminate his relationship "the minute it was determined that the film was blasphemous to Christ or it was viewed as destructive to the cause of Christ", resigned effective June 12, 1988. Indications That Universal Hopes to Profit From the Controversy The executives at Universal decided to make prints of the film in 70 millimeter, instead of the usual 35 millimeter, so it could be shown in the biggest theaters in America. They screened the finished script in early June for their distribution people with indications that they expected a box office bonanza. They are adjusting the timing of the release apparently to capitalize on the height of the controversy. Present State of protest by Christians Christian leaders have refused to attend any screening by Universal based on the disclosure of the content. They are mounting a nationwide effort involving hundreds of Christian groups and costing millions of dollars to mobilize national pressure to stop the release of the film. They don't want impressionable viewers to receive a twisted view of Christ that will keep them from the faith in the historic Jesus. TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROTEST 1. Pray! * For the key figures at MCA-Universal listed below (MCA is Universal's parent company), that God will show Himself to them in a powerful way, convincing them to kill the film. * For the Christians employed by various divisions of MCA-Universal that they will have the boldness to stand against the release at entry level. * For the judgment on those perpetrating blasphemy against our Lord * For protection of those who might have their faith stolen by this film. * Thanking God for turning this situation into a great victory for the faith. 2. Create pressure on key figures to stop the release. Lovingly but firmly, let them know that, based on authoritative sources, you consider the film's content highly offensive and insulting to your most cherished beliefs. Urge that they NOT release it. Insist that if it is released, you will participatein a boycott of Universal pictures and any businesses associated with Universal. Call or write more than once: * Lew Wasserman, MCA Chairman of the Board * Sidney Sheinberg, MCA President * Tom Pollock, Chairman of the board, Universal Pictures * Eugene Giaquinto, head of the home video division MCA-Universal 100 Universal City Plaza Blvd. Universal City, CA 91608 phone: (818) 777-1000 There may be some reluctance on the part of Universal Studios to answer their main switchboard line, (818) 777-1000. If you have difficilty getting through using this phone number, try one of the following direct lines: Sally Van slyke, Head of Publicity -- (818) 777-5888 Gary Goldstein, National Promotion and Field Operations -- (818) 777-4943 Roger Armstrong, National Publicity Director -- (818) 777-3087 Simon Kornblitt, Vice President of Marketing -- (818) 777-2162 Liz Andersen, Marketing Attorney -- (818) 777-2495 or 777-2741 Other Universal Phone Numbers Universal Information -- (818) 777-4780 Advertising and Publicity -- (818) 777-1293 Business Affairs -- (818) 777-1365 or 777-3193 Finance -- (818) 777-2548 Post Production -- (818) 777-1128 Marketing -- (818) 777-2495 or 777-2741 3. If "The Last Temptation of Christ" is released, Universal will show the film through its own Cineplex Odeon theaters. In addition, other theater chains may possibly show the picture. Write, call or meet personally with the maqnager/owner of your local theater and urge him not to accept this film. Present a petition signed by concerned individuals in your neighborhood or church who agree that the film should not be shown. Also, request the names of the distribution companies used by the theater. If you can obtain these names, please contact them as well. One of the largest theater chains is General Cinema Corp. General Cinema has reportedly "NOT YET DECIDED" whether to enter into an agreement with MCA-Universal to screen the film at GC's 300 THEATERS NATIONWIDE. Please contact the General Cinema executives below and express your views on the possible release. Paul Del Rossi President 1280 Boylston St. Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 phone: (617) 277-4320 or 232-8200 James Tharp Senior Vice president for Film Marketing (same address and phone) Victor Gattuso 15760 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91436 phone: (818) 981-0202 Please remember to be cordial in your protest. General Cinema is "still considering" whether to release "The Last Temptation of Christ" 4. Contact heads of local divisions of MCA-owned businesses indicating that you will not patronize their businesses if Universal releases a film defaming your Lord. Ask the local managers to protest the release to the heads of MCA. MCA's key holdings include: * Universal Studios Tour, restaurants, gift shops and hotels (at Universal City) * Universal Studios, Orlando Fla * Cineplex Odeon theaters nationwide * MCA Records and Publishing * Universal distribution centers in major cities (consult white pages) * WWOR-TV, Secaucus, N.J. * LJN Toys * Spencer Gifts, located in many shopping malls and retail centers nationwide * Intrigue retail jewelry stores and kiosks * A2Z-Best of Everything Shops MCA Subsidiary Phone Numbers LJN Toys -- (212) 243-6565 Spencer Gifts -- (609) 645-3300 MCA Publishing -- (212) 576-8900 MCA Records -- (818) 777-1781 or 777-4572 5. If the film is released, organize a prayer vigil at the theater, witness to those attending and share materials that give the true picture of Christ. 6. If you are an employee of MCA-Universal, protest to your superiors about this film and, if led to do so, threaten resignation if the film is released.