If there were legal recourse for gross mischaracterisation and character assassination, it should be taken against people like Foxman and his fellow travellers.
There was no anti-Semitic overtones or undertones in the film. In fact, the word 'Jew' didn't even register. What I did see was a group of religious leaders who were filled with envy and hate to the point of killing someone who 'threatened' them. In fact, in the scene where Jesus is first brought before Caiphas, an argument breaks out, and a small group of the priests storm out, not agreeing at all with the situation.
Graphic, yes. Especially the scourging. But scourging was not an afternoon tea. The movie portrayed in brutal realism an approximation of what it must have been like.
Catholics would recognize instantly the Stations of the Cross, which are portrayed vividly on the screen.
The most heart rending moment for me: The second stumbling, when Mary briefly has a flashback to the child Jesus, rushing to his aid when he falls on the steps. The same scenario is acted again as Jesus stumbles under the cross, and a mother's love overcomes fear to once again embrace and comfort her child. Then the heart piercing response as she is at his side: " See mother, I make all things new. ". ( A bit of artistic license taken here in the movie, but illustrative ).
If nothing else, the movie tends to put into perspective just how terrible and dark a price was paid in order for man's salvation.
Two quibbles:
1. While several of the Roman soldiers displayed realization of what they had done at the moment Jesus' death, none uttered the phrase 'Truly, this man was the Son of God'.
2. The Resurrection was portrayed only briefly.
Crowd reaction: Could hear quite a few sniffles starting at the scourging. Not a peep during the movie. Most were pretty quiet walking out. Surprisingly, a lot of teenagers attended. No small children. Interesting mix of people, from the elderly to the teenagers as mentioned before.
I drove by the local mega-theater an hour ago - it was PACKED. Never is like that on a Wednesday. People streaming in and out, in an unusually quiet and subdued fashion.
Enjoyed your review, and your observations and comments.
I believe Mel said he was inspired by the art of Carvaggio, and other artists. Some of the scenes look like they came right out of a Renaissance painting. The Medici were great patrons of the arts and one or two became Popes.......ergo, Catholicity influenced the commissioning of artworks.
"' See mother, I make all things new. '. ( A bit of artistic license taken here in the movie, but illustrative )."
Some license taken perhaps, in suggesting that He said this to His mother then, but (as someone else pointed out on another thread):
"Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:5.
Looking forward to experiencing the movie.