[kstewskis]

I haven't run across this article until today. Forgive me if this is a repost, my search didn't get this WSJ one :) So much wonderful discussion about Mel Gibson and his "Passion", this article seems to see the movie in a positive light.

[goldstategop]

I think Mel Gibson's latest project will rise or fall on the power of the images since the movie isn't subtitled.

[friendly]

"The Passion" is being shot in Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew with no subtitles--a point of honor for Mr. Gibson. "There is power and mystery in these dead languages, and this is what was spoken at the time," he says. The movie will rely on its visuals to tell the tale.

The more I hear about this spiritual labor by the devoutly religious Mel Gibson, the more astonishing this artistic work sounds. I cannot wait to see this movie.

[kstewskis]

pinging!

finally an article that is in a favorable light, as opposed to the NYTrash article.

[agunther]

When will this movie be released?

[B-Chan]

As for the question of blame for Christ's crucifixion--a vexed subject that has fueled anti-Semitism over the centuries--Mr. Gibson says that "this is not a Christian vs. Jewish thing--'He came into the world and it knew Him not.' Looking at Christ's crucifixion, I look first at my own culpability in that."

True. The perfect answer. The evil we all commit every day is what put him on that cross, not the actions of any one group of people. Yes, the Jewish authorities of that day were directly responsible for His physical crucifixion -- but they were forgiven by Christ before He died; we, on the other hand, add to His burden on that Cross every time we sin.

Lent is an excellent time for all Christians to meditate on the Crucifixion -- and on their own individual role in it. As Mr. Gibson points out here, in a very real sense the only truthful answer to the question "Who crucified Christ" is "I did."

[ALOHA RONNIE]

..'MEL GIBSON - America's new JOHN WAYNE under attack'..


http://www.TheAlamoFILM.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604


..in -Time of War-!!!

WHY???

[Slyfox]

I can not wait for this movie to be released.

[patriot5186]

"The Passion" is being shot in Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew with no subtitles Some of the older freepers may have had Latin in school, like my father. Unfortunately, I myself need to take Latin101. Sounds like a wonderful movie, though, by Mel Gibson.

[JulieRNR21]

Just found this:

Report: Mel Gibson Builds Calif. Church

.c The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Actor Mel Gibson is the person behind a 9,300-square-foot, Mission-style Catholic church complex in Malibu, Calif., that is not affiliated with any diocese.

The star of ``Braveheart,'' ``Lethal Weapon'' and ``Mad Max'' financed the building for about 70 fellow members of the ultraconservative group Holy Family, according to Sunday's The New York Times Magazine.

Among other things, Holy Family and other so-called traditionalist congregations conduct Sunday Mass in Latin.

Gibson has never minimized the importance of his religion, but of late it is even showing up in his work, the magazine noted.

Last year he portrayed two characters deeply affected by their religion - a former minister in ``Signs,'' about an alien invasion, and a Catholic lieutenant in the war drama ``We Were Soldiers.''

Currently, Gibson is directing a film that depicts the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ. The movie, ``The Passion,'' is in production in Rome, with the actors speaking only Latin and Aramaic.

Gibson declined to comment for the Times article, but at a news conference to announce the film last September, he acknowledged difficulty in finding a U.S. studio or distributor for the film.

``Obviously, nobody wants to touch something filmed in two dead languages. They think I'm crazy, and maybe I am. But maybe I'm a genius,'' Gibson said.

On the Net:

Times Magazine: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/magazine/09GIBSON.html

[Dajjal]

God bless Mel.

[fabian]

I'm looking forward to this movie. Maybe the original language will give it a uniqueness that will attract more people.

[kayak]

"There have been a lot of obstacles thrown in the way of this picture; it's full of discomfort," Mr. Gibson confides. "And I understand it's the other realm warring. So I have taken steps to put on armor."

Heavenly Father, we ask Your blessings on this project that it may glorify You and get Your truth out in a powerful way. Bind the hands of satan that the movie will be completed and released.

And, Father, forgive us for our part in causing the anguish of Your beloved Son. Revive and renew us that we may serve You and serve our fellow man. Amen.

[rwfromkansas]

I wonder how many theaters will show it; I am not sure what the end means when it says "no distribution deal," but it sounds like it means perhaps we will not find out who will get it until it is finished.

[8mmMauser]

Dziekuja bardzo

Great way to start the morning. Great topic for Lent.

Only pure thoughts for today ;)

[truthandlife]

FIRST-PERSON: Mel Gibson's 'Passion'
By Kelly Boggs
Jan 17, 2003

McMINNVILLE, Ore. (BP)--Undertake the ambitious task of shooting a film that concentrates on the last few hours in the life of a history-altering religious figure, as accurately as possible, and you might anticipate kudos from Hollywood's elite. Do so entirely in the dominant languages of the period without subtitles and you might expect to hear critics using the term "groundbreaking" and "genius" in the same breath.

Attempt the aforementioned effort and overflowing adulation is yours, unless your subject is Jesus Christ. Just ask Mel Gibson.

The popular film star, best known for his dual role as actor/director in the movie "Braveheart" (for which he won an Oscar and Golden Globe for best director), is seeking to portray the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ as accurately as possible. Gibson's script is based entirely on gospel accounts of Christ's ordeal that culminate in his crucifixion. In an effort to be historically accurate, he had all the dialogue translated into Aramaic and/or Latin. At this point he has no plan for subtitles. In an interview with ABC News, Gibson said, "For me, that's more real, and hopefully I'll be able to transcend language barriers with filmic storytelling." The chosen title for the forthcoming film is "The Passion."

If nothing else, Gibson's new film is an innovative attempt to tell an epic story in a fresh way. The attempt at accuracy alone is novel considering the way Christ has been depicted by Hollywood in recent years. If Gibson's subject were any figure other than Jesus Christ, he would probably be the talk of the filmmaking world. However, since he has chosen a subject that has become increasing controversial in our politically correct world -- and is seeking to portray Christ in a positive light -- his effort has garnered mostly silence and some interesting scrutiny.

Appearing on Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor," Gibson revealed that a reporter from a "reputable" but unnamed publication had been dispatched to "dig up dirt" on him. Asked if he believed there is a link between the investigation and his new film, he replied, "I think there is.... Whenever you take up a subject like this [Jesus Christ], it does bring out a lot of enemies." Gibson added that his private life, his banking records, charities he supports, friends, business associates and family members -- including his 85-year-old father -- have all been scrutinized in this investigation.

Depict Christ as self-doubting, fallible and fallen as did Martin Scorsese in his 1988 film "The Last Temptation of Christ," and you are the toast of Tinsel Town.

Portray Jesus as homosexual as does Terrance McNally in his play "Corpus Christi," or in a jar of urine as did Andres Serrano in his 1989 work titled "Pi-- Christ," and critics will laud your bold imagination.

Give three college students a story about a fake witch, a hand-held camera, and let them run around in the woods cursing and shooting herky-jerky film footage -- ala "The Blair Witch Project" -- and you have introduced an innovation that will change the medium.

Depict Christ's last 12 hours that culminate in his crucifixion and do so in ancient languages for the sake of authenticity and, at best, you will be ignored by media movers and shakers and at worst someone will try to discredit you.

It is interesting that someone would try to find something in Gibson's past in an effort to somehow depict his effort in portraying Christ's last hours as hypocritical. And if someone managed to dredge up some decades-old dirt, would it detract from the movie? The film is about Jesus Christ not Mel Gibson. "This is a movie about love, faith and forgiveness. He [Jesus] died for all mankind. He suffered for all of us. It's time to get back to that basic message," Gibson said of the film.

To date, there is no distributor for "The Passion." A deranged, deluded or homosexual Christ has no problem being accepted, even embraced, by the media elite. However, a Jesus Christ beaten and bloody hanging on the cross with no editorial comment or social commentary -- even if his words can't be understood -- is very challenging. Challenging enough for some to try to thwart its being placed in theaters, even if it means a personal attack on the director. Another reason to rethink, "Hooray for Hollywood!"
--30--
Boggs is pastor of Valley Baptist Church in McMinnville, Ore.

[mtngrl@vrwc]

"For Mel and Jim, their belief is their whole lives, and they are committed to telling this story," Steve McEveety, Mr. Gibson's producer and partner, observes.

An I-can't-wait-to-see-this-movie BUMP!

[Salvation]

Catholic bump!

[Salvation]

Mel Gibson articles on the Religion Forum

[TigersEye]

Two more standing in line here.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

..'MEL GIBSON's Great Passion'..

http://www.Newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/3/9/14907.shtml