On my way home I stopped at the Rave Theater to pick up my pre-ordered tickets for Saturday Night. The first thing that struck me was the parking lot.
I pass this theater every day on my way home, and duringthe week at 4 PM there are usually at most a few dozen cars in the parking lot, and those are of people shopping in the shops around the Theater. THe Parking Lot was so Full I had to Park in the Winn Dixie Parking Lot across the street. I have never seen that many cars, even on a Friday or Sat Night.
As I approached the building I noticed TV Vans from 3 of the 4 local stations and also a camera crew from the local Church Channel (Frazier). OK, I thought I can see that in Religious Montgomery, Al. Especially considering the controversy and subject matter of the movie.
As I approached the ticket window I was hit with Bombshell number three - in the window was a sign : "ALL SHOWINGS OF THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST SOLD OUT THROUGH MONDAY MARCH 1. ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE FOR ADDITIONAL SHOWINGS PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE OFTEN."
Finally, as I was leaving one of the afternoon showings let out. I watched in astonishment as a couple hundred solemn and totally silent movie-goers passed by. There were a lot of puffy eyes and a ton of hankies out. BUt what struck me was the silence, and not just the movie goers, everybody outside suddenly was quiet too. It was literally as if everyyonef felt like a funeral procession was going by.
The silence was broken by the gathered newsies who started asking people for interviews. Almost everyone just waved there hands and walked away, a few with a choked "I couldn't, not right now"
A few intrepid souls did come forward, but I could only catch snippets of what they were saying, but I heard "Unbelievable, amazing and powerful"
Take from this what you will, but without even entering the theater I have already been struck by the iommensity of this movie. Today was an experience I will never forget! I cannot wait until Saturday Night!