The movie that rode a wave of controversy to box office gold, The Passion
of the Christ is Mel Gibson’s view on one of the most debatable
days in history. The film sparked accusations of anti-Semitism and falsification,
which gave it the publicity needed to make it one of the highest grossing movies
in history. Now it heads to DVD, where it will undoubtedly become just as much
of a success, but deservingly so?
Honestly, I don’t feel like writing a summary of the plot. It is known
to everyone what The Passion of the Christ is based on. You
will either buy it or avoid it regardless of what I might say. The only purpose
of my writing or your reading is to hear just another opinion on the movie,
plus this gives it more publicity (as if it is needed). But like the old saying
goes, “opinions are like Mel Gibson (***holes), everyone’s got one
and they all stink.” Sorry Mel, it was just too easy. Anyhow, here is
what I have to say.
Technically speaking, the movie isn’t bad. The use of Aramaic and Latin
give the script a better sense of realism towards the time than English would
have. The cinematography, lighting, and music are all excellent to heighten
the emotion felt during the movie. Jim Caviezel as Mel Gibson’s Jesus
is outstanding. While the script called for fewer speaking lines, the physical
acting in Caviezel’s emotional performance are commendable. As for Gibson’s
direction…it too is admirable for the most part. Only a few inconsistencies
in the scourging (a physically impossible amount, superhuman or not) and the
superhero-like resurrection sequence at the end tarnish the skills he showed
in The Passion of the Christ…as a director.
Some believe that Gibson followed only the gospels when he wrote The
Passion of the Christ (and don’t be fooled by the inclusion of
God as a writer, Mel with the help of mortals wrote this script). Mel also admitted
to using “external” sources in his primetime interview, but it honestly
doesn’t matter to me. What does matter is the fact that many
people view this movie as a way to renew or intensify their faith. How? How
can the brutal, graphic slaying of a "savior" intensify one's faith?
Yes, his sacrifice was for the sins of all, but what is more important is something
you don’t see much of (~15 seconds in total), the teachings of Jesus.
These are the very teachings that that faith is supposed to consist of. Concepts
like loving your enemy as you would your friend (the only lesson mentioned in
the brief Sermon on the Mount scene), and to turn the other cheek when attacked.
I cannot understand how people see The Passion of the Christ as
a religious lesson. Then again, a movie about the life of Jesus wouldn’t
be as interesting or profitable as watching him get beaten, scourged, and crucified…would
it Mel?
As for the claims of anti-Semitism…I can see them, but who should really
be offended by this movie? Here’s my list in the order of offense:
4. Pontius Pilot: One of the most notorious rulers is made out to be an inept
weakling. While this may be a nicer image for the man who Jesus suffered under
(as stated in the apostle’s creed, but not really delivered in The Passion
of the Christ), it really makes him seem incompetent.
3. The Jewish Community: Jesus’ suffering (and there is an obscene graphic
amount of it) is pointed at the Jews. Who is really at fault? I thought it was
supposed to be everyone…I guess I missed that message. Oh yeah, it is
only briefly mentioned (one time in the very beginning) in the movie, and isn’t
focused on, that’s why.
2. The Christian Community: Why would this movie be so offensive to its target
audience? It’s quite simple. It plays on the emotions, masking mutiny
with falsification of biblical lecture. Lessons about Jesus should be taught
by qualified clergy, not graduates of the National Institute of Dramatic Art
in Australia. More Christians watched this movie than attend church on a weekly
basis. That should be rather offensive.
1. Jesus: If it wasn’t blatant enough by the obviously more than coincidental
lightning strike of the man portraying him, Jesus should be pissed off with
this movie. Not only are his teachings nearly ignored to glorify his death,
but his people were exploited for over $370 million. Where is that money? It’s
lining the pocket of one Mel Gibson, who I could not find any news on making
contributions to charities outside of his own Holy Family church (which he funded
before the movie anyhow). If his intentions were noble, shouldn’t every
penny of profit garnered by The Passion of the Christ been
donated to charity? Just think, WWJD?
Profit wise, The Passion of the Christ was an undeniable success,
but morally an utter failure. Then again, that’s only one more opinion
on the most controversial movie ever. As for the DVD, there is only a theatrical
trailers option as the lone special feature. My final verdict: Regardless of
anyone’s opinion about the movie, I am 99% sure a better edition with
more special features will be released within a year, wait for that one.
Movie:
For what its worth: B
As a “historical lesson:” D
Special Features: F
Overall DVD Score: D+
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