They're shooting the movie in Southern Italy, a warm yet moderate climate. They've found a town that looks exactly like Jerusalem at the time of the Christ. The location is virtually the only place in the world where the movie could be shot, it had nothing to do with "saving bucks." Several other biblical epics have been filmed here in the past. This is not Siberia.
Caviezel knew what he was getting into when he took on the project, and he was willing to do what it took. If this movie is even a tenth as great as it sounds like, Caviezel will get his reward both here on Earth for the success of the movie and in heaven for the souls that he will be bringing to Christ.
Here is a website put up by the town where they are filming which can give you more information about the production and the location:
Matera - The Passion
Amen!! Many years ago, the major movie studios would often invest heavily in biblical productions. These were scheduled to be released around Easter. I believe there is now a new audience, thirsty for films of this genre. May God bless the work of Mel Gibson and Jim Caviezel who have approached this film with heartfelt love and sincere devotion. Perhaps, like My Friend's Greek Wedding, this film will attrack a following .... and send a message to Hollywood.
Locals told us that ten years ago you could get property (buildings) there for a song. Then, the elite and the famous "discovered" it, started converting the insides of the ancient homes into modern apartments, and now it is one of the more expensive places in Italy. Now, the locals are being driven out.
It is in the far South of Italy, the poorest part of Italy. When we were down there in the arch of the boot, we were treated like royalty because they never get Americans down there. People would ask us why we were there because no Americans ever vacation there.
Lovely people, lovely part of the world.