Bob Dylan Picks Scorsese’s Most Controversial Film as His Favourite
Bob Dylan names his top Martin Scorsese film, revealing a surprising choice that underscores the unique bond between the legendary musician and the acclaimed director.
The relationship between Martin Scorsese and Bob Dylan stands as one of the more fascinating intersections of music and cinema. Scorsese, renowned for his deep appreciation of music, has often woven iconic tracks into his films—think of the unforgettable use of ‘Be My Baby’ or ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ in Mean Streets. Beyond his knack for soundtracks, he has dedicated entire projects to musicians, most notably The Last Waltz, which captured The Band’s final performance and featured a host of celebrated artists, including Dylan himself.
Scorsese’s fascination with Dylan’s life and work has led to multiple cinematic explorations. In 2005, he directed No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, a comprehensive look at the folk legend’s journey and influence. Not content to leave it there, Scorsese revisited Dylan’s story in 2019 with Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese. Over the years, Dylan’s life has inspired a variety of film interpretations, from the 1967 documentary Don’t Look Back to the unconventional I’m Not There and, more recently, the biopic A Complete Unknown starring Timothée Chalamet.
Scorsese’s Documentaries and Dylan’s Admiration
Among the many attempts to capture Dylan’s essence on screen, Scorsese’s documentaries are often regarded as the most thorough. This is perhaps aided by the mutual respect between the two artists. During a performance at New York’s Beacon Theatre, Dylan once remarked,
“Martin Scorsese, he’s out there. He’s one of probably the best directors, ever.”
He then went on to share which of Scorsese’s works he holds in the highest regard—a choice that might surprise some, given its notoriety.
Dylan revealed,
“My favourite movie, I told him before, is The Last Temptation of Christ. I think he’s gonna make one for the first temptation one of these days. Right, Marty? You just got to, for me,”
he quipped. The film, starring Willem Dafoe as Jesus, delves into the internal struggles of its protagonist, exploring themes of desire, guilt, and the burden of divinity. Its bold narrative, which includes depictions of temptation and even sexuality, sparked considerable outrage among religious groups upon its release in 1988.
Controversy and Enduring Impact
The reaction to The Last Temptation of Christ was swift and intense. Protests erupted, particularly among Catholic organisations, and a screening in Paris ended in tragedy when the cinema was set on fire, resulting in serious injuries for several attendees. The film faced bans in various countries, and Scorsese was forced to see his work censored and restricted—a bitter pill, especially given the support it received from admirers like Dylan, who is himself known for his religious convictions.
Despite the backlash, the film found its champions. Dylan, never one to shy away from contentious subjects, has remained a vocal supporter. It is perhaps fitting that he would favour Scorsese’s most debated work, given his own history of courting controversy and challenging expectations.