Realism or brutality

Mel Gibson's controversial new movie "The Passion of the Christ" was igniting plenty of passion yesterday - even though opening night was still a week away. First Lady Laura Bush said she was looking forward to watching the R-rated film about the Crucifixion of Christ.

"I think it sounds very interesting, and I'd like to see it," the First Lady told reporters while visiting a high school in Bentonville, Ark.

Gibson's story of the torture of Christ isn't just brutal, it's an exercise in cinematic sadism that opens on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 25) at 18 theaters across the city and 2,000 more throughout the country.

And that left many New Yorkers interviewed by the Daily News wondering whether the one-time "Lethal Weapon" star took the violence too far in his portrayal of "The Passion of the Christ."

They joined a chorus of other critics who fear the movie unfairly scapegoats Jews and who accuse Gibson of straying from the Gospels.

For many parents - even churchgoing parents who don't quibble with Gibson's interpretation of the Gospels - the violence might be too much for their kids.

"I don't think my children would get it," said Debbie Sparber, 45, of Manhattan, a Christian whose kids are 12 and 9. "They'd misunderstand what they're seeing."

Richard D'Alessandro, 45, a Manhattan-based actor who has appeared on violent shows like "The Sopranos," said there's no way he'll take his 9-year-old, Giancarlo, to the film.

"Violence is violence, no matter what the subject matter," said D'Alessandro, who is a Catholic. "For whatever religious value this film may have, the violence makes it out of the question."

Despite the blood and gore, many religious groups such as the New York-based Catholic League have already prepurchased thousands of tickets - virtually assuring Gibson will recoup the $25 million he sank into making the movie.

That Gibson's "Passion" is expected to do boffo at the box office is all the more remarkable because six months ago he was struggling to find a distributor.

True believers like Jurema Farr, 41, of Sparta, N.J., said Gibson's recounting of Christ's last 12 hours alive is something her three kids need to see - even if it sickens them.

"They need to know and learn about what happened to Jesus Christ," said Farr, her 8-year-old, Ulysees, and 6-year-old, Orion, in tow. "You have to show your kids the truth, even if it's violent."

Dr. Alan Hilfer, a child psychologist at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, disagreed. He said kids that age aren't ready for that kind of graphic violence.

"I have seen some of the clips, and it was pretty gruesome," he said. "This is not cartoon violence."

But Manhattan psychiatrist Wayne Myers said "kids from religious families are already programmed to believe in this, and their parents will explain this as this is our Lord suffering."

In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, Gibson admitted he pumped up the violence because he wanted to push the viewer "over the edge." He said he wanted viewers to feel "the enormity of Christ's sacrifice."

Gibson also denied the movie is anti-Semitic, but has resisted requests by Jewish groups to add a postscript to the movie reminding viewers that it was the Romans, not the Jews, who ultimately crucified Christ.

Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League asked Pope John Paul yesterday to tell his flock that Gibson's controversial movie is not the gospel truth.

Joseph Starrs of American Life League's Crusade for the Defense of our Catholic Church, said Gibson is true to the New Testament.

"This film is many things, but it is not anti-Semitic," he said. "If this film were, then the Gospel itself must be, because it is on this indisputable truth of the Gospels that the movie is based."

How's this do for you? These are people who have actually seen the movie, and most are very familiar with the historical Jesus as presented in the Bible. Okay, Matt Drudge and Jack Valenti may not make the cut on that point. I did not say I had seen the movie. But I know people who have, and they say it is the stunning movie they have ever viewed.

The thing that I'm most excited about is the opportunity it's going to give those of us who preach the cross. -Jack Graham, President, Southern Baptist Convention

Every time I preach or speak about the Cross, the things I saw on the screen will be on my heart and mind. -Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

The Passion tells the story of the twelve hours surrounding the Crucifixion. While The Passion is only the latest in a series of films about Jesus, it stands out for two reasons: First, it is unsparing and unsentimental. In Gibson's opinion, previous cinematic efforts had failed to capture the enormity of Jesus' suffering on our behalf. -Chuck Colson, Break Point

Having viewed the film in Chicago, I see no basis for the ongoing allegation that the film is anti-Semitic in any fashion. Please express our deep appreciation to Mr. Gibson for his excellent work and assure him of our ongoing prayers in this important endeavor. (From an email to Icon) -Chuck Moore, President, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary

It has been nearly three weeks since I saw the rough cut of The Passion. It is still impacting my life. I can't stop thinking about it nor can I stop talking about it. I have never seen a film that has so affected my life. -Del Tackett, Executive Vice President, Focus On The Family

Three words summarize for me: Sobering, Stunning, Haunting. The film speaks for itself. I hope you keep the graphic nature of it complete in the film, because it will cause everyone to reflect on what His death was. The world tends to wash over this directness. The details are very accurate -- this is the kind of death our Lord died for me. (From an email to Icon) -Dr. Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary

As President of Young Life, I am pleased to voice my strong support for The Passion. The Young Life sphere of influence includes tens of thousands of staff and volunteers, as well as hundreds of thousands of adults and kids who would be lining up in an instant to see this film. In addition, I think the film will have mass appeal to people of any faith or no particular faith, simply because of the quality of the production and the historical nature of the content. -Denny Rydberg, President, Young Life

I have no doubt that the movie will be one of the greatest evangelistic tools in modern day history. I think people will go to it and then flood into the churches seeking to know the deeper implications of this movie. -Ed Young Jr., Pastor, Dallas-Area Fellowship Church

I believe The Passion of The Christ may well be one of the most powerful evangelistic tools of the last 100 years, because you have never seen the story of Jesus portrayed this vividly before. -Greg Laurie, Harvest Crusades

I found it deeply moving, factually accurate and unprejudiced in its presentation. -Jack Hayford, Chancellor, The King's Seminary

It is deeply moving, powerful, and disturbing. A film that must be seen - although the graphic scenes of the scourging of Jesus are emotionally wrenching. (From an email to Icon) -James Dobson, Chairman, Focus on the Family

Mr. Gibson has attempted to painstakingly recreate the crucifixion of Christ, not to assail Jews, but to arouse in people a desire to understand the price paid for their salvation. I am praying that Mel Gibson's movie will have a powerful impact on our culture and that it will appeal to millions of movie lovers who are starving for a glimmer of honesty regarding the miraculous and life-changing story of the One who died for everyone, no matter their religious heritage, station in life, sexual preference or skin color. (From Falwell Confidential, Sept 24, 2003) -Dr. Jerry Falwell, The Liberty Channel

It took a brave heart to make "The Passion". "The Passion" is the most graphic, gritty and gripping depiction of Christ's arrest, trial and execution ever made. As a film, it will become a classic work of art with dramatic lighting, authentic sets, compelling music, realistic dialog, believable actors coupled with a timeless story. (From an email to Icon) -Jim West, President, Faith Television Network

The Passion will stun audiences and create an incredible appetite for people to know more about Jesus. I urge Christians to invite their spiritually seeking friends to see this movie with them. -Lee Strobel, Former Atheist & Author "The Case for Christ" & "The Case for Faith"

This will do for "Jesus" movies what "Saving Private Ryan" did for war pictures. Every Christian MUST go see this movie and hold Mr. Gibson up in prayer. He's going to take a lot of heat for this project, but if we'll support him, this movie could have a profound spiritual effect on millions of people. -Paul Crouch, Jr., Trinity Broadcasting Network

Brilliant, biblical - a masterpiece. -Rick Warren, Pastor, Saddleback Church and Author of "The Purpose Driven Life"

I can't tell you how I admire, respect and applaud you. May God give you the blessing you need, where you need it most. The Passion is an awe-inspiring portrayal of the last hours of Jesus' life. It is an accurate account of Jesus' real sufferings for the sins of the whole world. This is not a film anyone should miss. -Dr. Robert Schuller, Crystal Cathedral / Hour of Power

From a ministry perspective I tried to imagine what young people would think and how they would respond. My hope is that they will also be captured by the presentation. I believe they will because it is simply the telling of God's story. I am most encouraged by the fact that they will see a true representation of Jesus: fully God and fully man. (From an email to Icon) -Roger Cross, President, Youth For Christ/USA

"The Passion" is simply fabulous. It is emotionally wrenching because it is brutally honest about the violence of Jesus' death. Never in my life have I seen any movie that comes even close to depicting what Roman crucifixion was really like. Long familiarity and theological explanation have leached out in our minds the awful brutality of Jesus' trial and death. John's simple words, "then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him" feel vastly different as you watch two brutal Roman soldiers go on minute after terrible minute bludgeoning Jesus near-naked body with flesh-gouging whips. Pious talk about Jesus' death for our sins takes on a whole new meaning. (From an email to Icon) -Ron Sider, President, Evangelicals For Social Action

As a Jew, while I see why some Jewish leaders might be offended, I must say that the only reason they would be is because of how close to the Scriptures you stayed in the telling of the story. There are a whole host of reasons why we, as Jewish people, can feel a keen sense of rejection, offense or other things by what some Christians have done "in the name of Christ" during the last 2,000 years. But, let me assure you that Mel Gibson is not to be named in that number. Mel has chosen the narrow road of staying true to the Scriptures. (From a letter to Icon) -Stan Kellner, International Bible Society

Everyone should see this movie.It could be Hollywood's finest achievement to date. -Tim LaHaye, Tim LaHaye Ministries

...if they're critical of the film, they would be critical of the Gospel. -Archbishop John Foley, President, Pontifical Council for Social Communications, The Vatican

"I've read the Passion narratives of the Lord and contemplated them and prayed over them many, many times, and I've never thought of the crucifixion with the images that I received while watching this," George said. "I'll never read the words the same way again." (Chicago Sun Times, Aug 3, 2003) -Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago

I thought it was an extraordinary work of art and extraordinarily faithful to the gospels. If I was critical of the film's detractors it's because I think it's unwise for any group to try to intimidate either the church or people of Mel Gibson's faith from speaking very clearly what they believe to be true. You know anti-Semitism is a terrible sin; it's a sin the church has repented from and will need to continue to repent from if and when there are examples of it in church life. But to clearly proclaim our belief that Jesus is the messiah and that he suffered, died and rose from the dead is for us something we have a duty to proclaim. (Rocky Mountain News, Aug 21, 2003) -Archbishop Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Denver

I urge critics who have not seen the final film to keep an open mind and not prejudge it. -Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus

I think what you have done in "The Passion" is extraordinary and will probably be recognized as the best religious film ever made. I will continue to pray for you and for the success of the film, and will ask our students to do so as well. (From a letter to Icon) -Thomas Dillon, President, Thomas Aquinas College

From an aesthetic standpoint, the film is beautiful. Its visual narrative carries traces of the long tradition of Christian art, from the very earliest Christian styles and medieval iconography up to pre-Raphaelite images. My wife Theresa and I came away from the film with a sense that our faith had been revitalized. Make no mistake: this movie will convert and uplift hearts. Once you've seen it, you'll never again take for granted the words: "He suffered, died, and was buried." -Deal Hudson, Crisis Magazine

I experienced moments of profound spiritual intimacy with Jesus Christ.I would gladly trade some of the homilies that I have given about The Passion of Christ for even a few scenes from this film. -Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, The Vatican, Worldwide Prefect of the Clergy

[Gibson's film] represents by far the most moving, substantive and artistically successful adaptation of biblical material ever attempted by Hollywood. -Michael Medved, Jewish Film Critic and Radio Show Host

It's a monumental accomplishment. It continues to impact me in ways I couldn't have imagined. (From a letter to Icon) -Pat Boone, Singer/Actor

I thought Passion was a superior recounting of the 'greatest story ever told,' the last days of Jesus. There is in the film the gravity and seriousness it deserves. There are moments so heart-rending, the tears come easily. I cannot but believe that people of all religions will find this truly an impressive (and respectful) piece of art and realism, emerging from the New Testament. As a cinema artist, you have just reason to be proud of what you have done. (From a letter to Mel Gibson, July 2003) -Jack Valenti, CEO, Motion Picture Association

The precept of freedom of expression often takes a back seat once the ideologues and pedants get involved. Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion," provides the latest and most vivid example. Though Gibson is still editing his film and has shown it to a very small number of people, there already are cries of protest and dark insinuations of an anti-Semitic subtext. .These blatherings strike us as irresponsible.... Some will be moved by this film, others disturbed. As with all previous films depicting the period, some scholars and theologians will doubtless challenge Gibson's historical accuracy - indeed he is an actor, not a Biblical scholar. But to condemn both the film and the filmmaker in advance reflects both bigotry and a disdain for free expression. -Peter Bart, Editor, Variety

This may be the last movie Mel Gibson makes. This is the ultimate film. It's magical. Best picture I have seen in quite some time, and even people like Jack Valenti were in the audience in tears at this screening. There was about 30 of us. It depicts a clash between Jesus and those who crucified him, and speaking as a Jew, I thought it was a magical film that showed the perils of life on earth... They haven't seen the darn film and those of us, every single person in there, and I'm not talking about tears, I'm talking total tears. It is something Mel Gibson stood back at the end and took questions for about an hour, and he is -- he told me he's tired of Hollywood. That this is it. He's going to do it. He's going to do it his way, and this film, I tell you, is magic. It's a miracle. It's a miracle... (In an interview on MSNBC, July 23, 2003) -Matt Drudge, Drudge Report

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