“The Passion of the Christ” (Newmarket Films)
Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” is one man’s view of the foundation of his Christian beliefs. It is an intimate portrait of his faith and one that is offered for viewing by the world at large. It has moments of magnificent beauty and contrasting moments of graphic brutality. It is not an easy film to watch, and it is not “enjoyable” on any level. Still for Christian believers it is a must see film of the highest order.
Gibson chose to focus his cameras on the last twelve hours in Christ’s life which means he starts his movie at the Garden of Gethsemane. For those who are not familiar with Christ’s story this is like coming into a play in the third act. These viewers could very well ask who this man is and why are people trying to arrest him.
Gibson assumes you are familiar with the history of the film and makes no effort to play catch up with those who are not. He presents Judas as the man who betrays Christ but gives no background for his actions. Gibson’s attitude appears to be that Judas did it and if you want background go home and read your Bible.
These lapses of explanations are what make this a movie for the “believers.” Those who know Jesus as the Son of God are into the story after five seconds. They await the attack of the troops, and they are ready for Peter to slice off a soldier’s ear. And they anticipate each foretold biblical event as it unfolds on the screen.
Thirty minutes or so into the film the brutality begins and it is horrific. The screen is awash in blood and the sights and sounds of Christ’s mistreatment are etched in our eyes and our minds. If you thought the opening sequence of “Saving Private Ryan” was brutal, well it was nothing compared to the endless gore of this film.
It is this overkill in the area of brutality that weakens Gibson’s movie and its message. It is so extreme that the viewer just wants to look away rather than be caught up in the realizations of what is happening. Christians believe that Christ suffered as a human, not as a deity. In Gibson’s depiction no man could stand up under the cruelty levied on Him.
Jim Caviezel is the actor portraying Christ and he has a messianic look that gives validity to his acting efforts. Maia Morgenstern is a powerful Mary, and Monica Bellucci makes an impact as Mary Magdalene. The rest of the cast consists of unknowns which makes their performances even more believable.
The film is rated R for violence and it is not appropriate for children at all. Many may think that just because this is a religious movie that it would be alright to allow children to see it. I disagree. But if you are an adult who is considering taking a child to see it, and by children I mean 17 and under; go see it by yourself first. Then make that decision.
Also remember the film is spoken in Latin and Aramaic. English subtitles are provided. Children would have a difficult, if not impossible, task in trying to read and watch the movie.
The acting, the cinematography, the nuances Gibson adds are all of the highest caliber. One scene which involves a tear falling from the eye of God is a cinematic marvel. But overall reigns the brutality of the event that temporarily ended Christ’s life. You may find its excess appropriate, but for me it was just too much.
This movie will be examined, discussed and dissected for years to come. Still most will recognize it for what it is, and that is Mel Gibson’s testimony to his own faith. What you bring to the film will determine what you take from the film; and most will find what they want to find. In that matter this is a film of great art.
I scored “The Passion of the Christ” a believable 7 out of 10.
