The Passion of the Christ
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| Thu, 02-26-2004 - 12:58am |
I knew it would be opening big, but I was surprised to find out this morning that one of the local 20-plexes was showing it to sold out crowds on every screen from 6:30 this morning to around 11:00 when their usual lineup started and The Passion only continued on a few screens.
I've been reading incredibly moving reactions to it like this one in National Review--
"THE PASSION IN HARLEM
I just got out of a screening at the Magic Johnson Theatres up at 123rd and Frederick Douglass in Harlem. The theatre was packed, with an audience that was about 85 percent black, and included many seniors (of course: daytime). The response to the film was just about universal: Loud applause at the end, and vocal endorsements of the movie as we exited. One sweet elderly lady, I’d say about 80 years old, was shaking her head on the way out, saying: “If you read the Bible, that’s exactly what happened.†Another woman, in her 30s, was brushing away tears. “It’s not the movie,†she said,†it’s the reality of the thing.†During the screening, the man I set next to—a guy in his 20s, tall, strong, and vigorous-looking, nobody’s wimp—gasped at some of the cruelties inflicted on Jesus. (When Jesus’ cross is turned over on its face so He can be nailed to it more securely, this man blurted out, “Oh, s***, that’s too much.â€) Before the movie started, there was a little film in which Magic Johnson explained the rules for his theatres: “No talking. . . . No hats or colors . . . . If you have a problem on the street, don’t bring it inside.†I couldn’t help thinking: There is a problem on the street, every street, and this movie is about the solution."
I wanted to see it this weekend, but now the local news is reporting that virtually every showing in Dallas through the weekend is already sold out, so now I have to wait til next Saturday.

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Unfortunately, for me, the violence not only detracted from the power of the film’s message, but also made me see James Caviezal, as James Caviezal covered in blood, not as Jesus the Christ. But I don’t fault him for the over done gory make-up, that wasn't his creative decision.
Many of the actors were extraordinarily effective particularly: Maia Morgenstern, as Mary; Hristo Shopov, as Pontius Pilate; Claudia Gerini, as Claudia and I don’t remember his name - the actor who played Simon.
Perhaps, because I’m a mother, I was very moved by Maia Morganstern's performance – it brought a sensitivity that is spectacularly lacking in this movie. Of course, this is not a sensitive movie – it is a very, very violent one.
C
Edited 2/26/2004 2:32:55 AM ET by car_al
I feel almost obligated to see it. I don't necessarily look forward to it though. I know my emotional limits and I am not sure that a public place will be comfortable for me to experience it.
I'm almost nervous about the affect it will have on me. I consider myself a Christian, but I feel sure that this will really point out how I have not been living as one.
I thought it took great courage and conviction for Mel Gibson to really put himself "out there" for his beliefs. It seems to be freaking everyone out in Hollywood. (probably not the most Christian friendly place!)
>"It seems to be freaking everyone out in Hollywood."<
I haven't heard about this. Can you substantiate this comment?
The only
>"reviews are ALL over the place"<
There were 'reviews'
I saw this movie before reading any reviews and now that I’ve read many, I can only conclude that one gets from this film what one brings to it. If you were an altar boy in the Roman Catholic tradition, as Rodger Ebert was, you would certainly see and feel something that others – myself included – did not. This is not a movie I would see again - once was quite enough.
As far as the controversy surrounding this movie, remember that Gibson is a smart businessman and in the arts there is no such thing as “bad” publicity. All publicity generates interest and can bring in an audience just out of curiosity, which means increased box office revenue. Gibson will definitely get his investment back and “bank ability” trumps everything.
C
Renee
The realistic violence is the whole point of the film--to show me as a Christian, exactly what Jesus willingly and without complaint endured to pay for my sins and buy my freedom.
That said, I'm glad that non-believers are seeing this movie and have been surprised and encouraged by what many of them, you included, are getting out of it. I had anticipated more negative reactions along the lines of what's been coming out in the secular reviews.
Edited 2/26/2004 5:32:10 PM ET by wrhen
Renee
...Andy Rooney's demeaning portrayal of Gibson and the movie, etc.
You mean this piece?
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