Mel Gibson considering role of Jesus

ICN ^ | August 9, 2002

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

And isn't he blue-eyed?

Hey, Jeffrey Hunter pulled it off in "King of Kings". Why not Mel?

[NYer]

How about tearing down and destroying all those androgenous/feminine Risen Christ statues

I agree!! My parish was constructed post Vatican II. We have one of those Risen Christ statues mounted on the wall, in lieu of a crucifix. When they get around to renovations, my first suggestion will be to replace it with a crucifix. Not sure the pastor will go along with that, though. He leans left, if you know what I mean.

[Delbert]

I think Mel can pull it off. He's one of the great actors of our time. He and Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford. If Mel plays it kinda like a cross between Jesus and William Wallace it will be cool. Especially when he kicks the money changers out of the temple.

[windchime]

His conservatism is probably the reason that of Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Mel Gibson, Jamie Lee Curtis and Wynona Ryder it is GIBSON that has no star on "Hollywood Walk of Fame". (Jay Leno 8/8/02) The strength and special quality Gibson contributes to all his varied roles should transcend his political beliefs.

[Mr. Mulliner]

Where'd you get this information? It is well accepted that Jesus was 33 year years old. He was 30 years old when he started his public ministry (Luke 3:23 say, "Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph...") and was in public ministry for 3 years before being crucified. The reference in John (John 8:57) to 50 years was what the Jewish leaders said to him: "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" It is their guess at his age and probably were guessing high. Nothing else in the Bible or early tradition says Jesus was nearly that old.

[NYer]

I believe this story contains some inaccuracies

The title says may play Christ. Perhaps, like many politicians, he's running up some trial balloons to see which ones float. Another poster on this thread questioned Gibson's age as a factor in portraying Jesus.

The good news is that Gibson will be producing a religious theme movie. I hope it's a successful blockbuster!!

[Centurion2000]

bump

[Paul Atreides]

I saw it too. Very good movie. It also reminded me of Hitchcock's The Birds.

[gdani]

With Anna Nicole Smith playing the part of Mary

Too European-looking. Maybe J.Lo?

[COL. FLAGG]

I think Caviezel would be a better choice than Gibson.

I love Mel, but Caviezel is much obviously much in age to J.C.

See Caviezel in The Thin Red Line, that was a fine performance.

[COL. FLAGG]

Caviezel is much obviously much in age to J.C.

should be:

Caviezel is obviously much closer in age to J.C.

[dighton]

Golden Turkey Awards, nominees for Worst Performance by an Actor as Jesus Christ:

Robert Elfstrom in The Gospel Road.

Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings.

Ted Neeley in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Donald Sutherland in Johnny Got His Gun.

500 FReeper points for identifying the "winner."

[Mr. Mulliner]

Donald Sutherland

[DittoJed2]

Jesus wasn't 33 when he died. That is tradition but a study of the text says he was closer to 40.

He was born during the reign of Herod the Great. Herod the great died in 4 BC

He was baptized during the time of John the Baptist who baptized in the 15th year of Tiberius. Tiberius began ruling in 14 AD so that would make that 29 AD.

The star probably appeared at least 2 years prior to Herod's death because while he was living, Herod went after those 2 and younger. So, Jesus was probably born in 6-7 BC.

There are 3 passovers spoken of in the gospel, making up for a 3 year ministry. So...
6 BC- Birth
+29 AD=
35 when Jesus began his ministry.
Add 3 years and we have 38 when he was crucified and rose again.

As for Mel, he is very weathered. He may be considering growing a beard, but that would help only a little. The best Jesus in a major film to date has been Bruce Marciano in the Matthew series (word for word from the book of Matthew). The others are too stiff. This one seems like one people would follow. I highly recommend Matthew.

[dighton]

Well, you've just improved the odds for our next contestant.

[eastsider]

Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings.

[DittoJed2]

Luke 3:23 say, "Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph...")
ABOUT, 30 doesn't mean he was 30 on the dot.

[Mr. Mulliner]

That's all very compelling evidence for saying he was in his late 30s. One note, because there was no year 0, 6 BC to AD 29 is 34 years, not 35, but that's a minor detail.

[dighton]

A dreadful performance, I'm sure.

But not the official worst.