Posted on 11/18/2005 6:22:14 AM PST by Nihil Obstat
Pope blesses 'John Paul' TV movie
Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:53 AM ET
By Peter Kiefer
ROME (Hollywood Reporter) - It was a meeting of Hollywood and the holy Thursday as the Vatican hosted the world premiere of the TV movie "Pope John Paul II" with Pope Benedict XVI in attendance.
The cavernous Paul VI Hall was near capacity with about 6,000 on hand for the reduced version of the three-part series that will air December 4-6 on CBS.
"I would like to extend my gratitude to the actors for honoring the memory of my illustrious and loved predecessor," the pope said following the screening. "Viewing this film has reopened my gratitude to God for providing us with a pope both so human and so spiritual. . . . I welcome the distribution of this film."
Red carpets were absent as the premiere defied convention, with the Vatican's Swiss Guard doubling as ushers. Despite the spattering of flash bulbs and the presence of Jon Voight, who stars as Karol Wojtyla, signing autographs and working the room, the event was fittingly austere, with much of the audience comprised of dressed-down civilians and clergy.
Perhaps most indicative of the event's lack of Hollywood flare was its punctuality -- the pope entered the hall just minutes before the lights went down as scheduled at 5:30 p.m., almost on the dot.
The film, which received a brief standing ovation with applause throughout, opens with the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II by a young Turkish man in St. Peter's Square. While much of the first part is dedicated to his role in the fall of the Soviet Union. The pace of the film quickens with the second half seeming like a checklist attempting to touch upon every major event of John Paul II's reign. The film was directed by John Kent Harrison.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
More traditional Catholics will like the CBS version better.
Only because, unlike ABC, Whoopi Goldberg isn't playing him in the CBS version.
ABC's show will be December 1. Expect it to stink.
CBS will have a two-part miniseries showing December 4 and December 7. Should be a lot better.
"Only because, unlike ABC, Whoopi Goldberg isn't playing him in the CBS version."
I nominate this as post of the day.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.