Gibson's religious beliefs come under scrutiny

Los Angeles Times (by way of PittsburghLIVE.com) ^ | April 28, 2003 | Bettijane Levine

[Jacob Kell]

HOLLYWOOD -- Mel Gibson's upcoming film "The Passion" is being questioned by scholars who worry that the film -- which they have not yet seen -- might fan religious animosity and misunderstanding. The movie, which depicts the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus, features actors speaking only in Latin and Aramaic.

The controversy swirling around Gibson, his film and even his personal religious beliefs is built largely on conjecture. It is based on the few comments Gibson has made about the movie, which he claims will be historically accurate. It also is based on a magazine article about a church the actor is building in Agoura Hills, Calif. The article quotes his father, who claims that the Holocaust never happened and that the World Trade Center was destroyed by remote control.

[Pahuanui]

That article is ridiculous. To whit:

Boys says Jews and Catholics are concerned, for example, that Gibson's film might "blame the Jews for the death of Jesus," something the Second Vatican Council expressly forbids.

A. There 'might' be centurians with PCs, dancing girls and NHRA stickers on the cross as well, but I highly doubt it. As no one has seen it, it is empty speculation.
B. So what if the Second Vatican Council forbids anything? It was quite clear from the article that Mr. Gibson is a traditionalist, and rejects most if not all of the tenets of what he considers non-traditional practises and beliefs.

This isn't rocket science, after all.

[narses]

What DID Vatican II say about the Jews?

[nickcarraway]

Are they worried that it will prejudice people against Italians?

[nickcarraway]

It was quite clear from the article that Mr. Gibson is a traditionalist, and rejects most if not all of the tenets of what he considers non-traditional practises and beliefs.

That's what the NYT writer tried to insinuate, but that doesn't make it true.

[rwfromkansas]

"The article quotes his father, who claims that the Holocaust never happened and that the World Trade Center was destroyed by remote control."

So Gibson's father is a maniac. What does this have to do with the movie?

[Alex Murphy]

So Gibson's father is a maniac. What does this have to do with the movie?

They're obviously concerned that Mel will not make a commercially viable movie. Given that this is a Mel Gibson movie, they think the audience will be bringing certain expectations into the theatre. So they'd like to see some of the scenes jazzed up.

Here we have the Hollywood 2003 version of Jesus:

The twelve apostles:

And various scenes from the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem:

[RobbyS]

Their DEMAND to see the script is laughable.

[GirlShortstop]

Their DEMAND to see the script is laughable.

You're right!  That quirky OMD song from a couple years ago comes to mind:
  Wanna know the rest?
  Hey, buy the rights!
  How bizarre, how bizarre, how bizarre... "

[GirlShortstop]

 
oops:   That quirky OMC song.  
No "big whoop", right?

[SoothingDave]

What DID Vatican II say about the Jews?

For these purposes, basically it reiterated that while certain Jewish leaders at the time contributed to the events that led to Jesus Crucifixion, the idea of an entire race of people bearing a responsibility for Jesus' death is unworthy of the name "Christian."

That the blame for Jesus' death is not some "other" but the very sins that we commit that made it necessary.

SD

[maranatha]

It's amazing how a self-appointed group thinks they can put demands upon Gibson. They have no right to make a demand.

Gibson talked extensively about the film on an interview on the Catholic channel. This picture about Jesus is going to blow minds. The DVD will sell millions. People's assumptions and careless thoughts about Jesus, his death and resurrection, will be confronted when they view this. I think it will be really, really difficult to watch at times, but this is much more than just a movie.

[TradicalRC]

Wouldn't it be ironic if the religious left protested this movie the way the religious right protested "Last Temptation of Christ" twenty years ago?

[ultima ratio]

Gibson is a traditionalist. He is not building a church just for his family--it is open to all traditionalists who wish to attend the old Latin Mass. The film is based on the Gospels--are we now to suppose they are too politically incorrect to be tolerated any longer? Must we now falsify history for better public relations? This is a hit piece, pure and simple.