Martin Scorsese has confirmed that his new movie about Jesus will begin filming later this year. The 81-year-old director, who announced the project last year after meeting Pope Francis, has now revealed that the screenplay is complete and production is set to start.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Scorsese shared his vision for the film, saying, “I’m trying to find a new way to make it more accessible and take away the negative onus of what has been associated with organized religion.”
Exploring Themes of Redemption and Spirituality
The film, which will run for just 80 minutes, focuses on the core teachings of Jesus, marking a departure from the lengthy runtimes of Scorsese’s recent projects.
Scorsese acknowledged the challenges of addressing religion in today’s society, stating, “Right now, you say ‘religion’ and everyone is up in arms because it’s failed in some ways. But that doesn’t mean the initial impulse was wrong. Let’s get back to it. Think about it. You may reject it, but it might still influence how you live your life. Don’t dismiss it offhand.”
Exploring Themes of Redemption and Spirituality
The director drew parallels between this upcoming movie and several of his previous works, such as “Kundun,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” and “Gangs of New York.” He explained: “I’ve been exploring themes of redemption and the human condition.
Are we decent and then become indecent? Can we change? Will others accept that change? It’s about a society and culture that lacks grounding in morality and spirituality. Not religion, but spirituality.”
Scorsese emphasized that he is using these films to explore his own beliefs. “I’m finding my own way in a spiritual sense,” he said. “There’s a basic fundamental belief that I have—or I’m trying to have—and I’m using these films to find it.”
This unique approach aims to make the principles of Jesus’ teachings more accessible while encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives, regardless of their stance on religion.
