Adele Reinhartz's Presentation Of Satan In Film

There are many different ways to describe and name Satan; the most common synonym today is “Devil” (a). The Gospels depict the figure Satan as a power whose presence can be felt and perceived in his effects and motions on human beings (a). Adele Reinhartz analyses the use of Satan in Jesus biopics, and how closely his portrayal in film is to his depiction in the four Gospels. Reinhartz raises many important obstacles and challenges that filmmakers face when depicting Satan. Filmmakers must decide weather or not they should include Satan as a physical being, or limit his portrayal, and portray Satan as someone who is heard but unseen (Reinhartz, 9.3). George Steven’s The Greatest Story Ever Told depicts the story of Jesus Christ from the Nativity

all the way through to the resurrection. Stevens had many decisions to make about Satan’s portrayal, would he be as closely portrayed to his depiction in the gospels? How would he fill in the gaps between gospels? Stevens also had to decide if he wanted Satan’s portrayal to be more allegoric, and represent all the evil in the world, as to reach more viewers. George Steven’s The Greatest Story Ever Told depicts Satan in it’s own creative way, but keeps true to the three temptations Jesus is presented with by the devil.
Steven’s film utilizes the one Gospel story in which Satan appears as a prominent character, and that is in the temptation in the desert (Reinharts, 192). The Gospel according to Mark recounts a brief account of the temptations, John not at all, and both Matthew and Luke go in depth of the story, and describe Satan attempting to trick and lure Jesus away form God (Reinhartz, 192). Hiding and stalking the good if the Jesus biopics is the figure of the Devil. Similarly to God, Satan has power and makes his presence known to all humans. God is typically unseen in film, where as Satan is more often visually present (Reinhartz, 180). The Gospels make a clear depiction of who Satan really is, and that is the sworn foe, enemy, betrayer whom God vanquishes through Jesus’ death (Reinhartz, 182). In Jesus biopics, this depiction of Satan is not nearly as straightforward.
Satan tries to tempt Jesus with the goods of the world and his most wanted desires, Matthew’s Gospel depicts, “ the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan!

For it is written, worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:1-10). Steven’s uses this story to represent Satan’s attempts against Jesus, and had to decide how this depiction of Satan would be translated on screen in his portrayal. The Gospels do not describe how Satan came to Jesus, so it is unclear as to what way shape or form Satan took in the events of the temptations. Stevens is presented with some leeway in Satan’s portrayal because of this, and could decide how he wanted the audience to perceive Satan. Jesus biopic versions of the Temptations of Jesus in the desert range from which Satan is presented more metaphorically, as an external power, or in which Satan is the representation of the personal troubles and “demons” Jesus faces (Reinhartz, 193). Steven’s decided to portray Satan in human form, and expresses the philosophy of the everyday viewer, by making Satan creepy and unwelcoming

(Tunzelmann).
An old hermit-like old man appears in the desert with Jesus, and asks him, “How’d you like to be the ruler of all this, hmm?” as he indicates the large desert scenery under the large moon (Tunzelmann). He continues to tempt him with the other two temptations described in Matthew, about turning rocks to bread, and throwing himself over the mountain, but not to be harmed for the protection of God’s angels (Tunzelmann). At first, it is not clear who this old man alone in the desert is. However, it is clear that he is not good-natured in spirit, his eyes stare almost unblinkingly at Jesus, and he has an eerie feel about his mannerisms. When the devil begins to tempt Jesus, the audience can grasp who this man is and what he is trying to do, and that is pull Jesus away from God and his faith (Reinhartz, 191).
Through Satan Jesus biopics are able to portray the questions that people may have raised about Jesus and his divinity and devotion to God. In other words, Satan is a great way to question the motives of Jesus, and have a “Devils advocate” so to speak. The character of Satan is also able to make Jesus stand out form others, and give people reasons why others cannot emulate the worldly pleasures, aspirations, and responsibilities of Jesus (Reinhartz, 195). George Stevens is able to portray his own critique of Jesus as a model for behavior of humankind. When Jesus is not tempted by Satan in the desert, it becomes clear that Jesus is not just like everyone else, and is truly the exception, and divine.