On the outskirts of Rome, the greatest story ever told is
being recreated on the backlot of a legendary studio.
Directly across from the decaying wooden sidewalks and fake
storefront sets from “Gangs of New York” sits the city of Jerusalem
– or at least Mel Gibsons 2.5-acre scaled-down replica of it.
On the outskirts of Rome, the greatest story ever told is
being recreated on the backlot of a legendary studio.
Directly across from the decaying wooden sidewalks and fake
storefront sets from “Gangs of New York” sits the city of Jerusalem
– or at least Mel Gibsons 2.5-acre scaled-down replica of it.
For his third directing project, Gibson has chosen a story
about the last 12 hours of Christs life, primarily focusing on the betrayal,
trial and death of Jesus and culminating with his crucifixion and resurrection.
Gibson describes “The Passion” as his “labor
of love.” He co-wrote his ode to Christ, using Scripture from the Gospels.
He spent 10 years writing, rewriting and waiting for the right timing –
only to find no studio interested in the project.
The major problem cited was the most unusual feature of the
film – it is shot entirely using the Aramaic language.
Gibson says he understood the reaction – but he was determined
to make the film. He is doing so at a cost of about $25 million to his own production
company – and, as of yet, he has no distributor for the film.
“Im just going on blind faith,” he says. “Im
gonna complete it and see what happens and hope that it gets out there. The
studios would have imposed too many rules on me. If theyre contributors
to it, … youve got to listen to what they say.”
Essentially, Gibson simply wanted to tell the story in his
way – and the way he has chosen is daring. Aside from a graphic depiction
of Christs crucifixion and the decision to use Aramaic, there is one more
twist – there will be no subtitles.
“Subtitles would somehow spoil the effect that I want
to achieve,” he says. “It would alienate you, and youd be very
aware that you were watching a film. …
“Hopefully, Ill be able to transcend the language
barriers with my visual storytelling,” Gibson adds. “If I fail, I
fail, but at least, itll be a monumental failure.”
The significance of Aramaic being spoken is that it will revisit
the cross and the sacrifice Jesus made in Christs own language, Gibson
says. Thus, instead of the world getting another Hollywood production of “Americanized
Christianity,” Gibson says his movie will provide the truest form of Christs
message, without the propaganda.
“Not everybodys going to like it, but thats
okay, …” he says. “Its done in the right spirit, and thats
what counts.”
That spirit includes what some characterize as miraculous situations
on and off the set. “There is an interesting power in the script,”
Gibson notes. “There have been a lot of unusual things happening, good
things like people being healed of diseases.”
The movie has affected or touched most of the cast in some
deep and personal way, Gibson insists. “Were not kidding around about
this,” he says. “Its really happening.”
Gibson himself admits he has been changed. He talks about dwelling
on the subject matter and having it inhabit him.
“You start to realize the value of life and keeping your
temper in check or the value of forgiveness, even when people are doing things
that wrong you,” he explains.
“It really helps me stay centered.”
Raised in the Catholic faith, Gibson acknowledges he was not
too active for awhile.
When he returned, his focus was squarely on the Passion of
Christ.
“When I was growing up, the whole story of the Passion
was very sanitized and distant,” Gibson says. “It seemed to me very
much like a fairy tale.
“Then, from about the age of 15 to age 35, I kind of did
my own thing as it were. Not that I didnt believe in God – I just
didnt practice faith or give it much consideration. I went through that
period in my life where you put a lot of other things first.
“So, coming back 20 years later, it seemed so distant,
you know?” Gibson continues. “I had to reconsider and say to myself,
now hang on a minute, this isnt a fairy tale, and this actually happened
– this is real. And that started me thinking about what it must have been
like, what Christ went through, and I started seeing it in film terms.”
He has spared little expense in bringing his vision of that
film to reality. Indeed, it is crucial that the story look realistic and not
“like a cheesy Hollywood epic,” he says.
The violence in “Passion” is the topic that seems
to be drawing the most media attention. However, Gibson says giving a graphic
depiction of what Jesus went through is what makes his portrayal realistic.
“This is an event that actually happened,” he points
out. “It occurred. Im exploring it this way, I think, to show the
extent of the sacrifice willingly taken by Jesus. The price he paid – that
is as much a part of what Jesus went through as the resurrection.”
Jim Caviezel plays the role of Jesus in the film. He also appeared
in “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Frequency.”
On an average day Caviezel goes through an arduous makeup session,
sometimes beginning as early as 2 a.m. He also has separated his shoulder during
filming of violent scenes. And as Jesus, he has been spit on, cursed, whipped
and beaten.
However, he remains undeterred in his decision to accept the
role.
“Truthfully, it was never up to me,” he says. “My
answer was always that Im interested in letting God work through me to
play this role.
“I believe the Holy Spirit has been leading me in the
right direction and to get away from my own physical flesh and allow the character
of Jesus to be played out the way God wants it. Thats all I can do.”
Caviezel defends the violence of the film.
“No time has a film of our Lord ever been shown like this
one, …” he says. “When people get to the crucifixion scene, by that
time, I believe there will be many who cant take it and will have to walk
out. I guarantee it. And I believe there will be many who will stay and be drawn
to the truth.”
Gibson echoes the thought.
“My hope is that this movie has a tremendous message of
faith, hope, love, forgiveness and a message of tremendous courage and sacrifice,”
he says.
“My hope is that it will affect people on a very profound
level and somehow change them, and that message is a pretty good message to
be pushing right now.
“Theres so much turmoil in the world today, on the brink of everybody
at each others throats,” Gibson continues. “I think when the
world is tried in this way, people usually start going back to something higher
to fill a void in their souls. … For me, I dont think theres a
better message you could put out there than whats in this movie.”
(BP)