I would like to preface this article by saying that I typically keep any blatant reference to my religious beliefs out of my posts here. Mostly because they are rarely relevant to media news or the films I write about. However, in the case of “Last Days in the Desert” I feel like my perspective, as a follower of Christ, cannot be removed from my viewing of it. As much as I might wish to be purely objective, no writer truly is; every author has a voice.
Rodrigo García’s voice in the film was very evident, making it stand out starkly to most “Jesus films.” At the Austin Film Festival, García stated that his intent with the film was to take a closer look into the internal struggles of the human Jesus. He specifically pointed out that in creating his “Yeshua” he was not concerned with the spiritual Jesus and did not intend his portrayal as such to offend in any way. At the core of the film García paints the picture of a Jesus who comes out of the wilderness, after fasting for forty days to get closer with God so he can start his ministry strongly, who is unsatisfied and feels lost and disconnected from his Father. This disconnect of father and son is fully explored when Jesus stumbles upon a broken family on the edge of the desert. Jordan Hoffman of the Guardian writes that the film “is a smart and beautiful meditation of fathers and sons (and the Father and Son).” As Yeshua works to help the father and son grow closer and find happiness, though their happiness’s are dependent on the failure of the others, he works through some of his own struggles trusting his own silent Father.
The most interesting and complex character of the whole film is really the Demon (also played by Ewan McGregor) who is constantly question Yeshua and trying to awaken him to his perception of God. The “temptations” stray very farm from the original text, and serve more to chip away at Yeshua’s faith that he truly is the son of God, or that God is even real. However, the true beauty of this character is his humanity. His voice is the same as so many who question if God is real, or those who see him as selfish and puppeteering. Towards the end of the film, in a heartfelt moment he offers Yeshua an out for the trauma they both know he is about to endure. “I can get you down,” he says out of the blue, sadness and concern on his face. Truly a very human moment coming from the “Father of Lies.”
Regardless of the accuracy of this adaptation, its beauty lies in the questions it asks, not answers. And while the narrative is very simple, the gorgeous cinematography, capturing the simple beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert, creates an ethereal background that sets the mood and tone of the film. At the end of the day this is an art film, and it rightfully deserves its technical commendations. Using almost exclusively the natural light of the desert, every shot is either an expansive garden of colors or an ornate, intricate close up.
Even if you are not religious, the themes and questions raised by this film will resonate with you, as they are quintessentially human. This look into the “human Jesus” was an interesting play in the world of film, potentially alienating Christians and non-Christians, but I believe García has created a unique piece that can be appreciated by both factions.
For the rest of this article I will be digging deeper into my perspective of “Last Days in the Desert” strictly as a Christ follower. This is to my brothers and sisters, that they might not see this and brush it aside in an instant because it isn’t the truth of Jesus we know. If you are not a follower of Christ I invite you continue reading but if this isn’t your cup of tea feel free to continue perusing the internet in peace. However, if you do choose to keep reading, I would like to say that the following is not intended to offend, and if you have any problems with what I have written please write me so that we might discuss it fully.
Besides the obvious deviation from scripture in the very concept of this narrative, many of you will probably be very upset by García’s intention to make his Jesus purely a human one. It is essential to our faith that Jesus be fully God and fully man, but don’t let the white, utterly human “Jesus” scare you away or stir the righteous anger in your hearts. Yes, this is technically blasphemous, but more than anything this film paints a picture of the heart of humanity; eternally unsatisfied in the search for a seemingly silent God, finding only satan and mistaking his focus on us as concern or affinity, and looking through ourselves and the people around us to try and see the heart of God. This is the call of those around us who are lost and grappling with the idea of God.
There were several scenes in the film that really stuck out to me as voicing the questions so many have about God. García is quoted as saying that “the movie’s all about [his] own questions,” which comes to light so clearly in a conversation between Yeshua and the Demon. In the conversation* Yeshua asks the Demon what God’s face looks like, to which he replies that God does not have a face. The Demon goes on to explain how God is like a terrifying and selfish mass of existence that consumes you. It violently tears you apart, he essentially says, and then he stops himself before the next few words fall from his lips. Ewan’s performance leads audiences to realize that the Demon was about to talk about how loving that same embrace is. As if it were the most loved as he has ever felt, being in God’s presence. But he quickly cuts off the conversation when he realizes he no longer has control of it.
In this scene both Yeshua and the Demon bear García’s voice, asking what God is like and answering with what he thinks God might be. And while most of us would not agree with him, his perspective of who God is is invaluable to us. He has asked all the questions, now we need but answer them.
Many more could be said about this film, but for now I will leave you with this my brothers and sisters. Do not fear and attack things that may not align themselves with us 100%. Films like these are so important to how we communicate with the world around us, and if all we do is hate them for their inaccuracy then how can we reveal the truth to those around us who so desperately seek it? Go in God’s peace my beloved.
*I would just like to say that this is all paraphrased from my own memory, if I got part of this conversation wrong I am terribly sorry.
Last Days in the Desert - 2015, NR
An imagined chapter from Jesus' forty days of fasting and praying in the desert. On his way out of the wilderness, Jesus struggles with the Devil over the fate of a family in crisis.
Directed by - Rodrigo García Written by - Rodrigo García
Cast - Ewan McGregor, Cíaran Hinds, Tye Sheridan, Ayelet Zurer
IMDB - 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 93%
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