Guillermo del Toro and Martin Scorsese Celebrate the ‘Extraordinary Artistry’ of ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’

On Saturday, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles premiered a 4K restoration of George Stevens’ “The Greatest Story Ever Told” (1965), a significant Hollywood epic. Director Martin Scorsese, whose Film Foundation aided in the restoration, provided a video introduction, praising Stevens’ work as a culmination of his career. Scorsese highlighted the film's Ultra Panavision 70 format and Stevens' artistic vision. After WWII, Stevens’ films, such as “A Place in the Sun” and “Giant,” reflected a focus on human themes.

Though not religious, Stevens used Jesus Christ’s story to explore these themes on a grand scale. The film, shot in locations like Death Valley and Moab, was controversial for its setting away from the Middle East. Despite production challenges, Scorsese noted Stevens’ ambitious storytelling. Stevens’ son, George Stevens Jr., collaborated on the restoration and introduced Guillermo del Toro, who delivered a lecture on the film. Del Toro, a longtime fan, discussed Stevens’ influence across cinematic eras, emphasizing his modernist impact, particularly on films like “Bonnie and Clyde.”