Gibson Says He Has `Softened' Crucifixion Story in New Jesus Movie

Religion News Service ^ | August 13, 2003 | Kevin Eckstrom

[robertpaulsen]

"The only version of this movie they're going to like is the one where Hitler and the SS are crucifying Jesus on the Cross (which of course they could change to the shape of a swastika)."

And the Palestinians. And Arafat.

[montag813]

the character of Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus, will be clearly labeled a Jew in the film.

How? A big yellow arrow pointing at him with "JEW" beside?

A shouting mob will include voices opposing the execution

That is unrealistic. Mobs act as one individual. Even more the case for angry or vengeful mobs. Opposing views are not evident and not tolerated. Read "Crowds and Power" by Elias Canetti for a remarkable scientific study of this behavior.

I was annoyed when I heard that innacurate details like the cross being made inside the Temple. Those ought to have been removed. But the changes described here go too far, and get us to the point of "what's the point of even making the film".

[jimbo123]

Wait until the liberals see how popular this movie will be this country. This movie will do blockbuster boxoffice and and the libbies know it. The libbies will be shrieking in horror and asking themselves, how can a movie about Jesus make more money than a movie about Luke Skywalker? This movie will be BIG.

[montag813]

Maybe Gibson needs a counter protest? I'm not going to watch the movie, now.

Wait for the Director's Cut DVD.

[carlo3b]

He hasn't dumb down anything.  The statement says clearly that they left out passages that they felt would distract from their mission.. That mission was and is, to present the passion, the final hours of the life of Christ, and the total sacrifice he withstood to atone for our sins.

This film was never intended to cast blame, or foment anger toward anyone, except to demonstrate the best evidence as to when, what, where, and who played a role in the facts. Now if some groups wish to use this film to further their agenda, and use it as a vehicle for fundraising, and to advance their narrow, and distorted views, it is still America after all.

I have never thought much about the present day Jews having any relevance in the crucifixion of Jesus, until THEY insisted that I should, with their insistent muttering, carping, and bashing of the truth. Elevating a tone of guilt.. me thinks you doth protest too much ....

Perhaps this continuing and escalating protest, is how it really started a couple of thousand years ago, with narrow-minded bigots shouting down a dissenting voice. And when that voice became a threat to their dogma.... Hmmmmmmmm, it's worth thinking about.

[MrLeRoy]

he 'softened' the resurrection

How has he done that?

[AAABEST]

....Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League....

[sinkspur]

What a sad cop-out. Gibson was tested, and found wanting. Listen for the cock to crow, Mel.

What a ridiculous statement. It's just a movie.

[GirlShortstop]

He hasn't dumb down anything.  The statement says clearly that they left out passages that they felt would distract from their mission.   That mission was and is, to present the passion, the final hours of the life of Christ, and the total sacrifice he withstood to atone for our sins.

Well said.  Mel Gibson *knows* what "The Passion" is about.  imo, people need reminding:   it ISN'T about the Jews, the ADL, and professional whiners.  The stories [to sow controversy and SELL!] that are spun on an almost daily basis serve as proof.  FReegards.

[Euro-American Scum]

"We've gone out of our way to accommodate this process because we felt it was necessary and important, and to show that we care and that we're not callously sitting back saying, `Screw you, we're going to make the film we want to make,"' Lauer said.

Could be this is exactly what they should have done.

[rintense]

Agreed. Never thought Mel would cave to the PC crowd. Bet he'll make more changes to 'soften' the movie before it's released. There will be two versions- the released PC version for the masses, and the DVD Director's Cut.

[GirlShortstop]

Abraham Foxman...

ROFLMAO!

[1rudeboy]

I'm surprised that it hasn't occurred to anyone in this thread yet that this may have been preplanned.

Are you suggesting that someone who puts-up $25M of his own money might be aware of the intricacies of sales and marketing? [smirk]

[Alouette]

ABE FOXMAN PLEASE SHUP UP!

[HiTech RedNeck]

Alas, Gibson needs to recall the Scripture "do not be drunk with w[h]ine, in which is dissipation"

[GirlShortstop]

ABE FOXMAN PLEASE SHUP UP!

Standing O....Bravo!!

[joesnuffy]

I'll take the uncut DVD and pass on going to the movie
I wouldnt want to have to sit through it with a bunch of ADL types
and fellow travelers having to put up with their cat calls...
and anti-Christ quips

[GirlShortstop]

I wouldnt want to have to sit through it with a bunch of ADL types
and fellow travelers having to put up with their cat calls...
and anti-Christ quips

Interesting... that sounds like a re-enactment.

[angkor]

Perhaps this continuing and escalating protest, is how it really started a couple of thousand years ago, with narrow-minded bigots shouting down a dissenting voice...

I'm sure these ironic parallels are not lost on Mel Gibson.

But I would guess that he'd planned for protests and brickbats (just like Scorsese with Last Temptation). I'd also guess those parallels only make him stronger and more determined to see it through in exactly the manner he originally planned.

And he said way back in the beginning that he'd distribute the film himself if necessary (he can affored it).

The spectacle of the Anti-Defamation League besieging a man for expressing his faith is a little more than ironic.