Mel Gibson's "The Passion"

[efta777]

I'd like to hear what people think about this. I personally am looking forward to it because I think Gibson is really putting his heart into making it real. It seems as if it will be very hard to watch, but it's important to know just what Christ went through. However, I'm praying that he does it well and does justice to the story. Any other thoughts? Anyone think it boarder's on blasphemy? Here's an artical:

"Hollywood star Mel Gibson is making accuracy paramount in his big-screen re- telling of Christ's last hours, The Passion. The What Women Want actor is ensuring that meticulous detail is paid to the $27 million production - even though some of the violence may be hard to stomach. He says, "It's going to be hard to take. When the Romans scourged you, it wasn't a nice thing. Think about the crucifixion - there's no way to sugarcoat that." Gibson is a devout Roman Catholic and is making the film in the languages of Aramaic and Latin - with no subtitles to help viewers. He adds, "The audience will have to focus on the visuals." Actor James Caviezel is playing Jesus Christ - and despite injuring his shoulder during filming of the Crucifixion, isn't worried about it. He says, "There's an immense amount of suffering on this. Fortunately, God is helping me." Italian sexpot Monica Bellucci is playing Mary Magdalene and Romanian actress Maia Morgenstern plays The Virgin Mary."

[Sher]

I am waiting to actually see it to make comment on the content, but I am looking forward to it. I think with all the heat Gibson is taking on it, he must be working toward accuracy ... or there would be nothing for the scoffers to whine about.

[Piebald]

I can't wait! It sounds like a really awesome idea... I don't think it will be a blockbuster, but who knows? I hope the subtitles are available on DVD.. or heck, I'll just learn Aramaic

[Sozo]

I hope he doesn't leave Jesus in the grave.

[Piebald]

I don't think he's pulling a "Jesus Christ Superstar" here, I think it has been said that it will feature the Resurrection. I just hope it's realistic in terms of racial make-up.... not that I care about what race Jesus is, but seeing something somewhat accurate would be refreshing for a change.

I can't wait to check it out. Is there a website anywhere for this film?

[Zakath]

Well, don't forget that Gibson is a Roman Catholic. So there may be a few things the non-RCs might object to...

It will depend on how much the writers depend on biblical text versus traditions (of which I hear there are many).

[Sozo]

Today @ 08:01 AM
Zakath:

It will depend on how much the writers depend on biblical text versus traditions (of which I hear there are many).

Agreed! Neither tradition nor Christianity died on a cross.

[Wesley's son]

When is the projected release date?

[efta777]

Sometime in 2004

[SynchroKnight]

I'm one of the votes for "other". I'm afraid I have no idea whether Christians should see it or not.

I must admit I'm looking forward to it. I'm a big fan of 'period' films, especially if they strive to be historically accurate.

The fact that they're using period languages is (for me) icing on the cake. I heard there will be no subtitles in the film. So I guess I'll be taking a crash course in Latin and Aramaic before 2004. :read:

[Sher]

I heard that too, but I think I read that MG is rethinking that from the response that has already been generated.

IMO, that would be neat if he makes the dramatic explain what is going on. However, that would probably mean that it won't do very well on the big screen. People will probably view it as too artsy; those that aren't scoffing at the subject matter, that is.

I hope if it is good, it is released to DVD.

[efta777]

I'm looking forward to Jim Caviezal as Jesus. He grew up in my small town, so I'm biased, but I also really like him as an actor and I can totally see him in that roll. Apparently he got into it so much that he disolcated his shoulder during the scourging scene.

[yxboom]

I am really looking forward to Gibson's movie because CBN or TBN can't get it right :hrm:

So far his producing of Braveheart and Patriot have shown Gibson does this type of genre well. Caviezal does this type of genre excellent as well so I am very much looking forward to their rendition.

As for if it is of value to Christians any thing to remind us of Christ's sacrifice is a good thing to keep it in our minds IMO.

[efta777]

Okay, so everyone agrees that it would probably be positive for Christians. How about non-Christians? Do you predict that it will be a very powerful witnessing tool? Could it make an impact?

[flipper]

I predict that it will do for Christianity what The Matrix did for Buddhism.

[bar Jonah]

I wish I could find this article again, but I recently read an article about Gibson's "Passion."

It stated that Gibson is part of a movement within Catholicism to take the Roman Catholic Church back to where it was before "Vatican II," particularly in regards to returning to being more anti-semitic.

In a seperate, unrelated article, Gibson's parents were quoted as making extremely anti-semitic statements, even saying they believed a Jewish conspiracy was the real evil behind the 9-11 attacks.

I have no idea if any of this is 100% accurate. I have a feeling the quotes from Gibson's parents are probably accurate, as they would be inviting a slam-dunk libel lawsuit if it were otherwise. However, as for the first article, it could easily be another Hollywood attack on Gibson for making a good movie.

I have completely reserved judgement on this movie until I at least learn more about it from sources I can trust. I am skeptical, yet open-minded. Just as I strive to be on every issue.

[citizenkyle]

Here's what I don't get about the movie.

Gibson is so concerned about accuracy that he's using two dead languages with no subtitles, but he's casting a blue-eyed Jesus of European descent? Seems a bit inconsistent. Why not use a Middle Eastern actor?

Lack of box office drawing power for an unknown star is not a valid excuse, because, given the utter shallowness of the American movie going populace, I can almost guarantee any non-karate foreign language film will be dead in the water at the box office. Then again, perhaps Gibson is planning on more success at the international level.

Anyway, he can count on my 8 bucks.

[efta777]

It doesn't bother me, Gibson probably wanted the person who he thought would be best in the role, and that happened to be Jim Caviezal. He'll probably be wearing makeup and contacts to look more middle eastern, and I don't have a problem with that.

[Gavin]

There is no way to know how faithful to the gospel accounts it will be but I for one cannot wait to see it.