Bob Dylan Reveals the Martin Scorsese Film He Loves Most
Bob Dylan shares which Martin Scorsese film stands out as his favorite, spotlighting the unique bond between the legendary musician and the acclaimed director.
The creative relationship between Martin Scorsese and Bob Dylan stands as one of the most fascinating intersections of music and cinema. Scorsese, known for his deep appreciation of music, has a knack for weaving iconic tracks into his movies —think of the unforgettable use of ‘Be My Baby’ or ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ in Mean Streets. Beyond his soundtracks, Scorsese has devoted entire films to musicians, most notably The Last Waltz, which captured The Band’s final concert and featured a host of celebrated artists, including Dylan himself.
Scorsese’s fascination with Dylan’s life and artistry has led to multiple documentaries. In 2005, he directed No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, a comprehensive look at the folk legend’s journey and influence. He returned to Dylan’s story in 2019 with Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese, further exploring the musician’s impact. Over the years, Dylan’s life has inspired a range of cinematic interpretations, from the 1967 documentary Don’t Look Back to the unconventional I’m Not There and the recent biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown.
Scorsese’s Documentaries and Dylan’s Admiration
Among all these portrayals, Scorsese’s documentaries are often considered the most in-depth explorations of Dylan’s artistry. This thoroughness is partly due to the mutual respect between the two icons. During a performance at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, Dylan openly praised the director:
“Martin Scorsese, he’s out there. He’s one of probably the best directors, ever.”
He then went on to reveal which of Scorsese’s films holds a special place in his heart—a choice that might surprise some.
Dylan named a film that sparked significant controversy upon its release in 1988.
“My favorite movie, I told him before, is The Last Temptation of Christ,”
Dylan shared. He even joked,
“I think he’s gonna make one for the first temptation one of these days. Right, Marty? You just got to, for me.”
The film, starring Willem Dafoe as Jesus, delves into the character’s internal struggles, exploring themes of desire, guilt, and the burden of divinity. Its bold narrative led to widespread outrage among religious groups, as it depicted Jesus facing temptations, including sexual ones.
Controversy and Enduring Impact
The release of The Last Temptation of Christ ignited protests from Catholic organizations, and a screening in Paris even ended in tragedy when the theater was set on fire, injuring several people. The backlash resulted in the film being banned in multiple countries for years. Scorsese was forced to watch his work be censored and restricted, a painful experience for any filmmaker, especially given the film’s devoted fans.
Despite the uproar, the movie found champions, with Dylan standing out as a particularly vocal supporter. It’s fitting that he would gravitate toward Scorsese’s most controversial project—after all, Dylan has never shied away from challenging the status quo.