This serves as an example of why faith based films don't work.

And it's something I've noticed and kept in the back of my mind when watching a lot of these dull, dour, waste of time Biblical adaptations that Catholic school forced on me growing up. When the crutch of your character is that he's a religious figure, it doesn't lend a lot personality or nuance to their characterization.

These guys are constantly noble, constantly morally upstanding, constantly speaking like an academic, constantly self serious and constantly gathering an army of sudden sicophants even when they're taking a sh-t.

That get's godamn BORING fast. Especially with Scorsese's name attached to this. He's crafted so many gritty, raw, genuine characters. Mostly flawed, unlikable pricks, sure, but truly fascinating and compelling to watch. Is Boring Religious Man and Boring Religious Man With Stupid Beard going to withstand the test of time alongside Jake Le Motta, and Tommy De Vito, Travis Bickle.

And maybe it's because I'm an atheist, but at the point of being tortured in the name of your religion, I'd have to believe your god is being a bit of a prick as well. JUST LIE. If I were god I would consider it perfectly reasonable to just lie about it and go on your merry way. He doesn't seem like an understanding individual to me if he's gonna send you to hell for that.