"The Passion of The Christ" Mel Gibson's new Film - Eternal Allegiance

Dracko · 01-19-2004, 09:12 PM

I just read this. It sounds interesting to me but also really risky. Gibson is planning on doing the whole film in two "dead languages", Aramaic and Latin (not really a dead language, Latin is still taught today). The fact that he's attempting to do it without subtitles is even more risky -- it will be truly amazing if he can tell a good story without (to most people) understandable dialogue.

I find this an interesting idea for a movie, and could be one of the biggest things to happen to cinema in a while, good or bad. I admit, I'm not a religious man, but I think this could work, with the right director. Now to tell a story visually is a hard thing to do - one movie that springs to mind is '2001: A Space Odyssey' - imagine that movie without dialogue, and that's pretty much what we'll have here, or so I predict. But Gibson, as a director, is no Kubrick but even amazing directors, and I'm talking natural-born directors (Scorsese, Fellini, Lang) would find this an extremely difficult, if not impossible task.

Quote:

Gibson's Feature About Christ To Be Filmed In "Dead" Languages
Mel Gibson says that he plans to produce and direct a film about the last 12 hours in the life of Christ -- entirely in Latin and Aramaic, with no subtitles. "For me, that's more real, and hopefully I'll be able to transcend language barriers with filmic storytelling. If I fail, I'll put subtitles on it, though I don't want to.'' Gibson told a news conference at Rome's Cinecitta Studios on Friday. He added: "No one wants to touch something in two dead languages. They think I'm insane -- maybe I am." Gibson said that he does not plan to appear in the movie himself. Christ, he said, will be played by Jim Caviezel (High Crimes). The other principal actors will be Italians, he indicated. The actor-producer-director ducked a question about the film's budget. A devout Catholic, he replied: "It is a project good for the soul, not the wallet."

So there are several debates there:

1. Subtitles or no subtitles.

2. Accuracy of a dead language.

3. Religious accuracy according to which faith/belief.

4. Casting.

I imagine religious accuracy would be their biggest problem. Whichever way they go, someone can be offended. Probably not to the extent of The Last Temptation of Christ, but any movie about the death of Jesus is bound to encounter a bit of hostility from one group or another.

In the end this is an intriguing idea. I think a reason this may work is that many (even non-believers) are very familiar with events in Jesus' life. Even if you can't understand the dialouge, you should be able to figure out exactly what is going on. And anyway, isn't the mark of a truly accomplished director one who can communicate a story without anyone having to say a single word? Unfortunately Gibson is NOT a "truly accomplished director" so this film could either bomb or do supriseingly well.

What do you think about this movie?

"The Passion of The Christ" gets released on Feduary 23 2004

Official site: http://www.thepassionofthechrist.com

Rumour79 · 01-19-2004, 10:00 PM

Red...I totally agree...it's extremely risky and has already stirred a great deal of controversy...

I won't be seeing this film myself because:

A) I can't stand Mel Gibson...with a passion! (no pun intended)

B) I'm Jewish...and with all the furor over the possible anti-Semitic undercurrents that run throughout the film...I'm really apprehensive about shelling out money to see it...

At any rate, I applaud Gibson for sticking to his convictions and honoring his religious faith...but from what I do know of the film, I personally don't have any interest in supporting this project...

ForeverInLoveWithJus · 01-20-2004, 01:26 PM

Sounds interesting, I like Mel Gibson as an actor.

FantaOrSprite · 01-20-2004, 05:29 PM

I don't think I will watch this movie. I had heard about it a while ago, seems like it is already stirring controversy. I won't see it simply because I don' t like the idea of a film done in 2 languages I don't speak with absolutley no subtitles. Call me stupid , but I like to understand what people are saying, I just don't like to guess at what they are saying.

GrgotSlave · 01-20-2004, 05:58 PM

woah! i really want to see how this one comes out. REALLY interested.

Errick · 01-20-2004, 08:00 PM

In the trailer, it features subtitles. And I think that's good, because even for me, someone who knows a lot about the stories in the Bible, especially about Jesus, well - I want to know what they're saying.

It's supposed to be really good, and the cinematography to me is just breathtaking (from the trailer/teaser previews available on the site), I am very excited for this. This is either hit or miss with Hollywood, because not many people wanted this movie to be released.

I know I will be seeing it just for the fact that it's about Jesus, and I'm sure my expectations will be met. But I don't know how well it will do in the opening weeks, people are saying it's supposed to be a big movie, and I'm hoping it will. Just so variety (movies about religion and faith) is there on the bill.

Mel Gibson is only the director, as of this point, I don't believe he's actually in the movie (yay).

Did you all hear of the actual things/miracles (no other words to describe the events) that took place on set? I have an email, that for anyone interested in it, I'll post it tomorrow. But for now, I'm off.

Adios.

Errick · 02-23-2004, 11:46 AM

Is anyone planning on seeing the movie this week?

I'm going Friday night, then Monday night. Maybe even this Wednesday. As soon as possible would be great. It's sad that violence is coming from this. People are calling theatres and telling them it will be the worst thing they've ever done and that they will regret playing the movie. It could only be Satanists that are calling. Otherwise I don't see a reason why unbelievers (whom don't believe in anything, if that can be an accurate description) would want to call a theatre and say that.

I know churches will be renting out whole theatres so that people walking in off the street can come in and see the movie for free. To show them the movie and to also make them think about their lives. To some, it will change their lives. To others, it will only strengthen their faith, and to the others - it will make them understand why they do or do not believe. With a (hate to make a pun or anything, but) passionate movie like this, I see the outcome very pleasant.

My prayers are for anyone who sees the movie, then goes home and wants to make a change in their lives, that God will help them choose the right way in His will to resolve how they feel. If even only one person gets saved from this movie - it will be worth it. God is doing marvelous things through this movie.

What we need is another Great Awakening. Might be a longshot but God can do anything, truly. He can make it happen, and I pray He would. I speak this out of love for every individual that does not know God or Jesus Christ. Get to know Him, He will be one of the most faithful and trustworthy friends you will find in life. Your choice on whether or not you believe will affect you eternally. Make the decision and stand by it.

Much love to all.

soulfire · 02-23-2004, 02:06 PM

i refuse to watch it. if i do ill catch it at the dolla movies.

BeBritney · 02-23-2004, 02:08 PM

I'm interested in seeing it but I hardly go to the movies so...

Nanny · 02-23-2004, 02:28 PM

At first I was interested in seeing this movie. I figured, since I'm not a religious person, maybe I'd go watch it to understand a little more about whats going on in the biblical world, since I know next to nothing.

But, if it's going to be in other languages without subtitles, I don't know if I'd be able to understand it well enough. Which defeats all intents and purposes I have for seeing the show. I'll wait until I hear some reviews.