The Clarion
Brevard College
April 1, 2004
The Passion continued
So what is aH the controversy about? Topics range anywhere from the violence of the filrn to the
message that Gibson is trying to extend to aU audiences. Though this film is the topic of heated debate since
before it premiered, maybe the question should be why did Gibson choose this movie at aU? The answer is
simple. According to The Making of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, Gibson’s answer proves to be simp e to
him, but die answer is not weU-liked by the viewers. “It’s like any other story that gets told says Gibson. But
It does not die here. Gibson adds, ‘T want people to understand the reality of the story.. .1 found it heahng or
me. If you’re wounded in life, I use the wounds of Christ to heal myself.
Using the gospels as a source, Gibson used hxs learning to form a harsh realily that some audiences will
find disheartening. Movie critics such as, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, from the Spirituality & Health
website, suggest the film is not for young people or children. Even those who are accustome to wi
gore and mTyhem in the movies - and on the evemng news - will be shocked by the unrelenting cruelty and
bloodshed on the screen. We had been prepared by what we had heard about the movie and ^^^nt bmc
endure it. We found ourselves both amazed and grateful that Jesus choose to suffer violence rather tha
’’“““no matter the reason to see this movie, it is not a question that seemg it should be brought to the front.
If you want to see it, see it! Only you can make the pdgment caO.
Audiences that have seen it can state their opinion on the movie ® comments
W.movierev,ews „ This ApoUo guide to movies lets the viewer form his opinion under co^
^S^Bnan Webster’s cntic,ue of » is an example. While Webster used
“re%ous agenda" and “clauslophobia” in reference to die * “nd not^^^^
his review had a lot to say. One such reader expresses her opmio r i ■ u ;„,,c that Mr Webster has
m this fta. one tha, so moviegoers have found moving and powerful. It is obvious dial Mr. Webster
A Las Vegas resident, who is Jewish, said: . ,„esaon to
^ "nderstand how they feel. Discussion offal* and love has set ^ ^ovie.
church doors on signs on the street of die church have let onXh ,5.
Discussions of The Passion were introduced at Brevar g j Dave Desforge from Grace
fading die forum was Brevard College’s Chaplain, Shelly We . “’|j 1^ Reverend Fred Jordan from
Con^unity Church. Father Carl Del Gludice from Sacred rhe
Brevard First United Methodist Church, and Brevard CoUege Profess
perspective of the community and college. Gibson to die actual violence in the
Topics ranged from “one man’s expression, abou^t Mel
Questions from die audience broadened as Shelly W pressure to view the film.
Father Carl Del Giudice spoke of individuality as one student comm leg’s iudgments. If you want to
suggested, “I. is up to you as an individual. Don’t 'fX;°Xw“d with a prayer
*^e the film, see it.” Advice and commentanes from other p
from John Paul II as the discussion came to an end. n u \Y7it-hout it would not
i In conclusion, controversy has proven to be some togj^ -Ik *out.
^ as popular by name. Perhaps the best quote is one y „r,rpnt victim here. The most
°*er beliefs we bring to the tiieater, we can all agree diat Jesus is extend our compassion to victims
compelling message of tins movie is tiiat in his name, we are obhgated to extend P
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