Even the author mentioned that the "celebrity stuff was completely gone from the moment." She was pretty drawn, even felt compelled to leave the room during one part of The Way of the Cross. And like she said, "Great art is a great leveler."
I believe Gibson when he says it will be intense. He is one of the few quality storytellers in Hollywood who will effectively make you laugh, or make you cry.
I don't usually cry at movies, but in Braveheart, I did. This time, I'm bringing the Kleenex.....just in case.
I guess we should all refer to Mel now as the fourth person of the Blessed Quadrinity.< /sarcasm>