Mel Gibson Delays Vatican Screening of Jesus Film

Yahoo News ^ | Dec. 2nd, 2003 | A Yahoo at Yahoo

[kstewskis]

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Bishops and cardinals waiting for a special Vatican (news - web sites) screening of a controversial Mel Gibson (news) film about Jesus Christ are going to have to wait a little longer, the Hollywood star has told them.

Reuters Photo

The select audience were hoping to have a private screening of "The Passion of Christ" on Tuesday evening as part of a convention on spirituality in film.

But Gibson's Icon Production company told organizers in an email on Monday night that the actor-director was still working on the final version and asked them to wait because "the film is only weeks away from being finished."

The movie, which covers the final 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ, has come under fire from some Jewish groups who claim its story could foment anti-Semitism because it portrays Jewish authorities as largely responsible for Christ's death.

But Catholic and other Christian groups, as well as biblical scholars, have defended the film, saying it sticks closely to accounts of the crucifixion as told in the New Testament.

Organizers of the religious film festival said that Gibson's company had promised a private screening for Vatican officials and religious experts before it is due to open in the United States on February 25 of next year.

[kstewskis]

Share THE PASSION during the holy season of Lenten renewal

This is a ping list for those who wish to share in viewing Mel Gibson's film, The Passion, while observing the traditions of Lent together.

If you want on or off this list, please FReepmail Northern Yankee

If you want to see what areas and countries are supporting the film, and how you can support and promote The Passion of Christ (the official title) to show at a theater near you, please visit this link: Support The Passion of Christ

[kstewskis]

Share THE PASSION during the holy season of Lenten renewal

This is a ping list for those who wish to share in viewing Mel Gibson's film, The Passion, while observing the traditions of Lent together.

If you want on or off this list, please FReepmail Northern Yankee

If you want to see what areas and countries are supporting the film, and how you can support and promote The Passion of Christ (the official title) to show at a theater near you, please visit this link: Support The Passion of Christ

[the artisan]

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT! thanks for the info

[PleaseNoMore]

A while back, I downloaded the trailer. My kids saw it and ask me constantly when this is going to be released so they can see it. Is there any word on tentative release dates? I believe that this film is going to be a powerful witness to the world and that many will be drawn to Christ through it and many will recommit themselves after seeing it. Like you, I can't wait!

[kstewskis]

Is there any word on tentative release dates?

Ash Wednesday, 2004. Feb. 25th.

(see my tag line! ;o)

[meanoldfatbastrd]

If you can not wait to see the movie read this:

http://www.emmerich1.com/DOLOROUS_PASSION_OF_OUR_LORD_JESUS_CHRIST.htm

The first time I read about Mel Gibsons Passion Movie was an interview and he mentioned that this movie is based in part on the writings you will find in the above link. Once I started reading it I could not stop. I read it daily until I completed it. It was so vividly descriptive that it painted images in my mind. It was during lent this year. After reading it and seeing the trailers, I see that Mel Gibson has masterfully put on screen the images that were painted in my mind by reading the DOLOROUS_PASSION_OF_OUR_LORD_JESUS_CHRIST.
I will drive where ever and wait as long as I must to see this movie when it is released, there has not been and will never be another movie that has the potential to change so many lives.

[ex-Texan]

Thank you so very much for posting this! I read the introduction and just started reading about her life. Very intriguing read. I just vowed to complete it all before "The Passion of Christ" is realeased.

[the artisan]

LOL! (me too :D)

[Robert Drobot]

Please include me on your list.

[kstewskis]

I see that Mel Gibson has masterfully put on screen the images that were painted in my mind by reading the DOLOROUS_PASSION_OF_OUR_LORD_JESUS_CHRIST.

I did just that, what you are doing. I read the book a few months ago, and could not put it down. Like you said, just by looking at the trailers, you can see how Gibson masterfully illustrated the story, by using A.K. Emmerick's visionry.

I plan on re-reading it again just prior to Lent.