The California Collection/TheCaliforniaCollection.cdr/his081/jctempt.lzh/JCTEMPT.TXT

Text File | 1991-09-14 | 9KB | 238 lines

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: [phone]

   There may be some reluctance on the part of Universal Studios to
answer their main switchboard line, [phone]. If you have
difficilty getting through using this phone number, try one of the
following direct lines:

   Sally Van slyke, Head of Publicity -- [phone] Gary Goldstein,
National Promotion and Field Operations -- [phone]

   Roger Armstrong, National Publicity Director -- [phone] Simon
Kornblitt, Vice President of Marketing -- [phone] Liz Andersen,
Marketing Attorney -- [phone] or 777-2741

   Other Universal Phone Numbers

   Universal Information -- [phone]

   Advertising and Publicity -- [phone]

   Business Affairs -- [phone] or 777-3193

   Finance -- [phone]

   Post Production -- [phone]

   Marketing -- [phone] 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: [phone] 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 -- [phone]

   Spencer Gifts -- [phone]

   MCA Publishing -- [phone]

   MCA Records -- [phone] 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.