Gibson Receives Standing Ovation on Leno

NewsMax.com ^ | 2/27/04 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[kattracks]

Mel Gibson appeared on Jay Leno’s "Tonight Show" – and was greeted by the live audience with a prolonged standing ovation.

Gibson’s appearance on the top-rated late-night program came on the heels of new box office results showing that his new film, "The Passion of the Christ," may be one of the biggest hits of all time.

But box office success hasn’t stopped controversy from swirling around the religious epic.

"Some people thought it was a bad idea," Gibson told Leno about his desire to do the movie on Jesus’ death. The actor said anytime one touches upon politics or religion, that person runs the risk of touching a nerve.

"I didn’t expect to hit a main artery," Gibson said to chuckles from the audience.

Gibson said his film first germinated over a dozen years ago. He said he was unfazed about Hollywood’s criticism of his work.

He said that he discovered in Tinseltown that "you can get a shiv between the shoulder blades and it’s done with a smile."

Still, Gibson said he was shocked by the "pre-judgment and condemnation” which began over a year ago – before anyone had even seen the film.

He told America’s favorite comedian that he was surprised by the attacks against him; including the charge he was an anti-Semite.

"It’s wrong, it’s unconscionable,” he said.

Leno questioned Gibson about the film’s violence.

Gibson readily admitted the film is violent and deserved the R-rating it received. But he added that the violence was not "gratuitous” and, in his opinion, drew a different reaction from audiences who watch, for example, horror films.

Gibson said the film’s message is one of tolerance. He told Leno he chose actor James Caviezel to play Jesus because he projected both a childish innocence and masculinity – consistent with the Biblical Jesus.

Gibson’s decision to produce "Passion” may have earned him at least one fan in Hollywood.

"Thanks for the courage of your convictions,” Leno told Gibson as he concluded his interview.

[Aquinasfan]

One of the best parts of this show was at the end, after Prince sang, he turned to Gibson and said, "Mel Gibson! Wanna catch a movie after we're done here?"

Wow!

[Aquinasfan]

Last I heard he had become a Jehovah's Witness. He actually showed up last year on some suburban doorsteps in Minneapolis, doing his JW duty. Personally, I'm delighted. He's heading in the right direction, if a bit confusedly.

[risk]

Interesting paper on Gibson's religious motivations. I find several references searching for tridentine, "holy family" and congregation.

Servants of the Holy Family

[Erasmus]

Textually, that would be "The Artist Formerly Known As The Artist Formerly Known As Prince."

OK. In EBNF,

Iteration-phrase = "The Artist Formerly Known As ";
Name = {Iteration-phrase}, "Prince";

[Dante3]

Too bad I missed Leno's show.

People I know who have seen this film say that choosing Jim Caviezel as Jesus was a stroke of genius. I had never heard him previously.

Kerry not surprisingly responded in a wimpy way (once again demonstrating his lack of leadership qualities) that the movie COULD be anti-Semitic. He was quoted: "I'm concerned. I don't know if it's there or not, but there's a lot of it around now. I think we have to be careful." Say what?

[Centurion2000]

bump

[roses of sharon]

I love that!

The Commie-Vampires, suck the life out of everything good in this country, and shrink from the cross and the flag.

A stake thru the heart of the elite liberal media for their promotion of the Dems, and the sickening propaganda they promote to their voters.

Ever talk to a Dem neighbor or co-worker? They always, always, throw up their hands after hearing facts and data, and say, "I don't pay that much attention to politics".

They have been mislead for the last 30 years.

[truthandlife]

A bit of a little known fact: Prince is a lifelong Christian.

If you define a Christian as a Jehovah Witness. Theologically, the movement is a cult of Christianity due to its adherence to heretical doctrines. Thus, while Jehovah's Witnesses profess to be Christians, they are outside orthodox Christianity.

[JacksonCalhoun]

People I know who have seen this film say that choosing Jim Caviezel as Jesus was a stroke of genius. I had never heard him previously.

He was great in "The Count of Monte Cristo". I had never heard of him before that, but something in his performance showed he was different than the usual soulless, vapid Hollyweird crowd.

[ought-six]

You know, I've been very pessimistic over the direction in which our nation and its people have been heading, and I have been very doubtful that the tide toward our eventual downfall could be stemmed. I am not so sure, now. If this film has the impact I think it might; that it is a clarion call for truth and honor and respect and values; that it will energize those who have all but given up hope; then we may very well be on the brink of a new awakening. And I welcome it!

[roses of sharon]

Jim Caviezel co-stared with Dennis Quaid in the move "Frequency".

If you haven't seen it, go rent it tonite, or it is a great one to buy.

A family film, for older children, very interesting plot, full of action, and very touching.

If you don't mind, let me know if you like it, even the song during the credits is great.

[rintense]

I wonder why Speilberg has been silent on this movie? Surely he must be kicking himself for not doing it first.

[rintense]

I have always liked Prince. He is heads and shoulders one of the most talented musicians out there. Back in the day, it was Prince vs. Michael Jackson. Today, there isn't even a contest. Glad to see Prince applaud Mel.

[petitfour]

I have to wonder if they have an inkling that they appear to be the ones in the movie yelling, "Crucify him!"

[hobson]

Jay seemed to be very sympathetic with Mel. When he spoke of seeing the movie, he was quite touched. I detected a quiver in his voice.

[ozzysmom]

"leave that to letterman ... he can be such a jrk"

Heard that Tim Robbins was going to be on Letterman last night...anyone see it and if so, did he bless the audience with his amazing intelligence concerning political matters? lol

[LizardQueen]

Instead Christians stood up and said, "Hey, wait a minute, bud. What you're doing to Gibson is wrong.

Heck, even us non-Christians say that. You just don't rewrite history into some inaccurate PC fiction to please a whining minority group.

And I have a ton of respect for what Gibson did. This film is his opus, his lifes work. Kind of like "Dances with Wolves" was for Kevin Costner. You don't have to be religious to respect and admire the effort and dedication it takes to bring one's opus vision into reality.

LQ

[tekriter]

Jim Caviezel co-stared with Dennis Quaid in the move "Frequency".

If you haven't seen it, go rent it tonite, or it is a great one to buy.

A family film, for older children, very interesting plot, full of action, and very touching.

If you don't mind, let me know if you like it, even the song during the credits is great.

I LOVED that movie! I saw it on video borrowed from my cousin. It so impressed me that I bought the DVD. I'm old enough to remember the '69 Mets and all the great music.

[Grampa Dave]

Arnold was well received by the young audiences on Leno when he decided to remove the cancer, Gray Davis from California power.

There is something very positive happening with the late 20 something and 30 something group even in California.

I think that 9/11 was a real wake up call for these young Americans. Also, they have nothing in common with the anti America/Nam group from the late 1960's to 70's. This represents a pending disaster for the Anti America/Christian/Anti War thugs from the 1960/70's, who control the Rat party across the nation.

Change is in the air as the pendulum starts to swing back from the far left to the "right" side.

[Houmatt]

Just thought of a great headline:

PEOPLE TO HOLLYWOOD (RE: 'PASSION'): DROP DEAD!