The Last Temptations

As a former executive of a Hollywood studio, I can tell you that the only “ethic” observed in a great many studios these days is “how far can we go and get away with it.”

They have gone about as far as they possibly can with “The Last Temptation of Christ,” and whether or not they get away with it is entirely up to you.

The “temptation” is supposed to represent a “last battle between God and Satan.” Don’t you believe it. The film from its very inception had one purpose and one purpose only: to portray Christ in a sexual situation--the cheapest shot they could take at him, and the ultimate insult to the millions who revere him as their God. (Even Hollywood knew it couldn’t actually come right out with it, but to depict it in a “dream”--well, who could argue with that?)

I am not even Christian, but I can only shake my head at the complacency that lets the film industry perpetuate these blasphemies. You let them get away with the “Life of Brian” and, to some extent, “Hail Mary.” The least you can do is sit this one out.

Unless you stop supporting this garbage and demand dignified, responsible productions (the last of which was NBC’s “Jesus of Nazareth”) from the executive boards of the studios and networks, you will continue to hand your Lord over to be crucified.

MIRIAM LITTMAN

Haddonfield, N.J.