Newspapers / Gardner-Webb University Student Newspaper / March 5, 2004, edition 1 / Page 10
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Page 10' Friday^ March 6, 2004^ Jhe pSdt Arts and Entertainment Mel Gi5SOn’s “The Passion or the Christ” Film introduces controversy and emotion Rachel Jones Pilot Staff During his time on earth, Christ was the center of con troversy, so it is only fitting that the movie depicting his final hours and crucifixion also be surrounded by con troversy. Still, controversy or not, the movie has grossed over 117.0 million dollars at the box office. The Christians have come out of the wood work, hopeful of Mel Gibson’s depiction of Jesus Christ, while others’ curiosi ty is peaked on the truth behind the anti-Semitism rumors. Coincidentally, Truth is what the audience receives: every bloody inch. Never before has the crucifixion of Christ been so accurately portrayed. One movie critic has said he refuses to go see the film due to the conventional portrayal of Christ: the peacefiil, serene, loving God incarnate, whose death on the cross is romanticized in Baroque picturesque style. I have nothing against Baroque style, nor do I have anything against the picture of a loving, kind, gentle God (I believe He is). However, this movie shatters the tradi tional romantic picture of crucifixion. We all crave reality; evi- ‘‘Truth is what the audience receives.” dence in this is our entertain ment. Video games must appear as if we could touch the surroundings, movies cannot have a cheesy appar ent blue screen. Yet at the same time, we continue to keep Christ’s death on the cross as unreal as possible. Up until “The Passion of the Christ,” most Christians, including myself, did not realize how much Christ suf fered as well as the gioie- some death he died in order that we may have life. Mel Gibson’s work in movies such as, “Braveheart” and “The Patriot” has given him the experience necessary to tackle the violent scenes necessary to accurately por tray the crucifixion. As for anti-Semitism, Mel Gibson decided to have his hands filmed nail ing Christ to the cross. When each race (Jew, Roman, etc.) is portrayed in the film, there are good people who realize an innocent man is being wrongfully accused, as well as the evil who eagerly take part. The cast is untouchable. One cannot speak high enough about their work. Most notable is James Caviezel (“The Count of Monte Cristo”) playing the role of Jesus Christ. If given the role of Christ, many actors would crumble; how ever, Caviezel’s stage pres ence remains strong throughout the film. Maia Morgenstem, new to the American screen, also attracts the audience’s atten tion as Mary, Jesus’ mother. m Photo Courtesy of Newmarket Film Group Maia Morgenstem as Mary and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene in “The Passion of the Christ” James Caviezel as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ, across America on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. Photo courtesy of www.hollywoodjesus.com The film opened in theaters Through her, viewers are allowed to see Jesus as the man He was on earth, as well as the sacrifice of the mother who bore and raised Him. The cinematography is amazing. Each shot is full of meaning. The flashbacks allow the audience to tem porarily escape the violence. It also acts as salt to those who have not read the bible by giving them enough of the story of Jesus’ ministry to make them curious for more. Also, if the audience members watch closely, they can see traces of Gibson’s Catholic beliefs seep into the film. “The Passion of the Christ” is a must see for those who are mature enough to view the horrors. Viewers must realize that this movie is an accurate portrayal of Christ’s cruci fixion and death. There is no shelter from the violence, and younger children should not attend.
Gardner-Webb University Student Newspaper
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March 5, 2004, edition 1
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