While at the gym this evening, I saw an interview with Mel Gibson as he talked about his new movie they are in the middle of shooting. The Passion is being shot in Italy and tells the story of Jesus' last 12 hours on earth. This is to be an extremely accurate portrayal of the pain and suffering Jesus went through. Judging by the pictures of the actor portraying Jesus (Jim Caviezel, star of The Count of Monte Cristo and High Crimes), it looks pretty close The dialogue in the movie is only Latin and Aramaic, with no sub-titles. Mel said the film itself will portray what he wants to get across.

The crux of the interview tho was about the harrassment Mel and his family and friends have been receiving since he began work on the film - a lot of it directed at his 83 year old father. In the interview, Mel and the interviewer have a great discussion regarding forgiveness, how Jesus would want him to respond to the troubles, his faith in God, his drive to convey the real and horrific way they beat, mauled, and crucified Jesus.

There was a lot more to the interview, once a transcript is available, I'll post it. It's safe to say I've never seen a main-stream actor, let alone a mega-movie star like Mel Gibson, speak so frankly about their faith in Jesus, their struggle to do the right thing despite oppression, etc.

More info on the movie can be found here:
http://movies.go.com/news/2002/9/gibsonpassion092002.html
and here:
http://ca.movies.yahoo.com/fs/20020925/103297157900.html

Mel's got a bigger fan now

I saw the O'Rielly factor interview last night, and was surprised but relieved to see someone be bold enough to do this. He also said (Mel) that in the past the portrayals of the crucifiction have been ones with "bad hair" or fairy tale like and the protrayal he is depicting will be more graphic in so that it hits home and the reality of it will come through. I myself and looking forward to it.

I have two concerns about this film...

1)I hope it actually makes it to a theater that is remotely close to me...

2)I'm not sure how well I will handle the graphics. I am very squeamish when it comes to pain, and we all know that Christ was tortured.

Here you go


*edited picture of klenex out, it got blocked

Shankie

That's a combination of a thank you and a hankie

Ohhh Whew! I thought that was a viral sore...................

Here's the transcript from the O'Reilly Interview:

BILL O'REILLY, HOST: In the Personal Story segment tonight: The actor Mel Gibson has been in Italy for months shooting a controversial film that graphically depicts the execution of Jesus. The movie is being financed by Gibson's production company. It's being shot in Aramaic and Latin, the languages used at the time.

Mr. Gibson is a religious man and believes there are some in the media who want to discredit him personally because he's making a pro-Christian film. And, indeed, The Factor has learned that there is a print reporter trying to dig up nasty personal dirt on Gibson. And the guy has even approached his 85-year-old father under questionable circumstances.

And, in the interest of full disclosure, Mel Gibson's production company has optioned my novel, Those Who Trespass. So, I do have a working relationship with him. But I believe this situation is troubling.

I spoke with Mel Gibson yesterday from Rome.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

O'REILLY: Mr. Gibson, I understand the movie you're shooting right now about the death of Jesus of Nazareth is pretty graphic, pretty explicit.

MEL GIBSON, ACTOR/DIRECTOR: It is, yes.

I've never seen a rendering that equals this for reality. The versions I've seen either suffer from bad hair, inaccurate history, or not just being real. And somehow, because of that, I think I think you're distanced from them somehow. They're more like fairy tales. And this actually happened. It occurred. I'm exploring it this way, I think, to show the extent of the sacrifice willingly taken.

O'REILLY: You're going to make it in Aramaic and Latin, all right, so that no one is going to even understand what's said. The images are going to be explicit and powerful. What is the point?

GIBSON: Well, the point is that I think you can transcend language with the message through image. And I'm very happy with what we're getting.

O'REILLY: Is it going to upset some people to see the person they believe is God brutalized in this manner?

GIBSON: Well, I think anybody that is in the know about Jesus as God and they believe in that realize that he was brutalized and that I'm exploring it this way, I think, to show the extent of the sacrifice willingly taken. I think it's going to be hard to take, but I don't necessarily know that people are going to be upset by it.

O'REILLY: Is it going to upset any Jewish people?

GIBSON: It may. It's not meant to.

I think it's meant to just tell the truth. I want to be as truthful as possible. But, when you look at the reasons behind why Christ came, why he was crucified, he died for all mankind and he suffered for all mankind, so that, really, anybody who transgresses has to look at their own part or look at their own culpability.

It's time to sort of get back to a basic message, the message that was given. At this time, the world has gone nuts, I think. Christ spoke of faith, hope, love and forgiveness. And these are things I think we need to be reminded of again. He forgave as he was tortured and killed. And we could do with a little of that behavior.

I mentioned what I was going to do to Night Shyamalan. And he thought: "Oh, great. You have the ultimate opportunity to make the perfect anti-date movie."

And I said: "No, no, that's not true at all. I think I refer to it as the career-killer film." And I was only half joking at the time. But it's interesting that, when you do touch this subject, it does have a lot of enemies. And there are people sent. I've seen it happening. Since I've been in Rome here, for example, I know that there are people sent from reputable publications -- they go about, while you're busy over here, they start digging into your private life and sort of getting into your banking affairs and any charities you might be involved in.

And then they start bothering your friends and your business associates and harassing your family, including my 85-year-old father. I find it a little spooky.

O'REILLY: We have heard that there is a reporter trying to dig up dirt on you, and who has bothered your 85-year-old father, trying to get provocative statements from him, and trying to portray you as a fanatic and perhaps a bigot, that this guy is operating right now. He's trying to dig up dirt on Mel Gibson.

And do you believe it's because you're making this movie about Jesus?

GIBSON: I think it is, yes. I think he's been sent. So, that's the way it is. You got to deal with these things. I'm a big boy and I can take care of myself. And you can say what you like about me. I'm a public person, I suppose, although I don't ever remember signing the paper that I said I had no rights to privacy. But you can pick on me. But if you start picking on my family when I'm out of town, get ready.

O'REILLY: But I'm surprised that someone would go after somebody as well-liked as you are and as powerful as you are. And you really believe it's because you're making this movie about Jesus?

GIBSON: Yes, I think so. Yes, I think there's a lot of things that don't want it to happen.

But, hey, as I said before, it's a film that speaks about faith, hope, love, and forgiveness. That's the basic message. And that's what we need to get back to, I think. And if everybody practiced a little more of that, there would be a lot less friction in the world.

O'REILLY: So, if this guy writes something terrible about you and your father and family, you are going to forgive him?

GIBSON: Yes. You've got to. I already did. But it's just perplexing.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'REILLY: All right, there it is. And we'll let you know if anything gets in print.

Amen and Amen! /

I knew there was more to Mel than just those rugged good looks...

They have really been giving him a hard time the last couple of weeks way in advance of the opening of the movie:
http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/story.jsp?story=434029

It's not supposed to be released until next spring even.

I just find it so ironic that when a celeb decides to take a stand for something they believe in, Hollywood and all of it's minions just can't wait to trash everything about it and then take it a few steps further by making it personal.

You take an "unorthodox" Catholic...(personally, I consider him saved), and pit him against the Vatican, and watch the fur fly. The Catholic doctrine has changed so much over the years that I don't think anyone of them have the right to call the kettle black. The only time the Catholics accept and acknowledge divine intervention is when someone claims they had a visit or a vision regarding the Virgin Mary. Let a godly man claim the workings of the Holy Spirit and he's mocked.

You know what? I don't think he is too far from the truth when he portrays the Jews to be partly responsible for the crucifixion. I don't believe they are solely responsible, but they are not exempt. Sin sent Jesus to the cross. The sin of mankind. If the Jews had tried to intervene, Jesus would have still gone to the cross. He had to. That was God's purpose for Him. It was all part of the plan.

The people that would reject the Jews because of this film are not Christians, for if they were, they would also know that the Jews were the Chosen people and their time will come again.

I cannot wait for the film to open around here...

Kudos to Mel for trying to show the Truth...the real truth... /

I personally find it very interesting that he says that people were "sent." He's pretty vague about it, but considering the number of souls that could be saved (and the millions more potential rededications ) as a result of this film, I wouldn't see it difficult to imagine that the Enemy would attack. I'm just wondering if that's who Mel was referring to when he says they are "sent."

Any thoughts?

My sister sent this to me today....and I really want to see this movie when it comes out.
I dug up this thread and thought I would add this to it....as it is recent and a good read.

Here ya go:

This is long but worth the read. Love,Taija

Hello friends and family,

Nathan and I wanted to share with you that we were able to attend a
private screening of the new Mel Gibson film titled "The Passion Of The
Christ" this past Monday night. We unexpectedly got on the list to go
and view it at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, TN. Neither of us
were really prepared for what we viewed. It's really hard to find the
words to tell you how life-changing this film was for both of us.


First of all, Nathan and I felt completely out of place. We got in
somehow through Don Donahue (thankyou Don) but most of the crowd was
the Country Music Industry...artists, radio and press. Ricky Scaggs
sort of hosted the event.


This movie changed our lives forever. The room was full of the sound of
weeping and loud sobbing, including our own. I told Nathan on the way
home that I only wish that I would have seen it as a young teen.


It is so fitting that the whole movie begins with a black screen with
the text of Isaiah 53:5, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He
was bruised for our iniquities , the chastisement for our peace was
upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed".


I've attached an e-mail below from Lisa Bevill who attended the viewing
as well. She very beautifully describes the experience of viewing the
film and then getting to have a question and answer time with Mel
Gibson himself. (PLEASE take time to read it because she goes into
great detail about the Q & A time that we had with Mel...it was so
cool.)


The room was silent as the movie ended and even as Mel walked down the
isle of the chapel people remained completely stunned by the film.
After he was formally introduced, everyone stood and applauded him
loudly. He so graciously answered each question, and was very candid
with us. It was very apparent, though there was a huge absence of
"christian lingo" coming from his mouth (breath of fresh air...thank
you) that he has a deep relationship with God, he believes that Jesus
is the Messiah, and that he's coming back to get his people.


Mel and his small band of believers around him are asking the church to
take on a "grass roots" approach to this film. They are asking us to
tell everyone we know about it... They are wanting artists to show the
DVD trailer at concerts, to do pre-sales on tickets through churches
and FOR EVERYONE TO GO SEE IT OPENING WEEK! It really does matter that
you go the first 2 weeks of opening which is FEB.25TH. It is so
important!! THIS MOVIE IS LIFE-CHANGING AND I PROMISE YOU IT IS
ANOINTED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. THIS MOVIE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.


I fell in love with Jesus on Monday night. Either for the first time,
or all over again. It is so amazing that the same King who endured that
cross and was broken for me, lives inside of me! I am in Him and He is
in me. I cannot wait until Noah and Elliana are young teens so that we
can let them view this movie.


Please pray for Mel Gibson. Pray for protection for he and his family.
Pray that God would pour back on him 100 fold what he spent on this
movie so that MORE MOVIES LIKE THIS CAN BE MADE! He spoke about the
major warfare that has been going on over this movie. He also told us
about several miracles and conversions that happened throughout the
making of this film. (Lisa tells about these in the letter below) So
amazing...


Anyway, we just wanted you to know about this so that you can have a
huge part in the success of this film! Lisa gives out the website info
as well below. You can put a link to it on your website and you can
also request promotional materials from their website as well.


Blessings to all of you in the name of our Lord!

Christy and Nathan Nockels


(E-mail from Lisa is below)


Hey friends and family,


Last night I attended a private screening of Mel Gibson's movie
....12/8/2003, at Ricky Skaggs' church in Hendersonville. I attended
with Bonnie and Brent King. There were about 200 people in attendance.


Well,....let me just say that I am speechless, moved beyond words and
sobered by what I saw last night. I'm sure many of you will be
receiving emails from some of your friends who were there as well...and
you'll probably be bombarded with their own personal stories..


There were many country artists as well as Christian artists there,
along side some radio and press folks.


The movie was in a rough cut version...but still I thought a very
finished state,...special effects had not been added yet, nor was the
music complete....still it brought uncontrollable weeping from
everyone.. I couldn't stop crying through the whole movie. And when
the movie was over, there was complete silence in the church.. I wanted
the story to go on and on...for another two hours.... I think the
movie was about 2 hours long. It got started late, like around 7:30,
and the next time I looked at my watch it was 10:30... so I actually
don't even remember. There was a question and answer time with Mel
Gibson himself, so who cared what time it was. Every moment of the
movie was captivating,..breathtaking....still there are no words.


The beating and suffering of Christ was almost unbearable to watch. The
scenes with flashbacks of Jesus when he was a little boy and a scene of
his mother running to comfort him and then cradling him in her arms
after he had fallen down about the age of 4 or 5.....was interlaced
with scenes of him falling to the ground carrying his own cross, so
bloody and unrecognizable...and then her holding him in her arms after
he had been taken down from the cross. Her face then stared into the
camera while she was holding him...and you could just imagine the
things she was thinking. Every parent who was seated near me ...
fell apart.


The nails being hammered into his hands was the most real thing I had
ever seen. One scene of Jesus and the interaction with his
mother...just reminded me of every 20-year old man/child and mom
relationship. Where she's trying to get him to come to eat...and has
to remind him to wash his hands before eating...she brings water to
wash his hands..and after washing, he gently splashes water on his
mother..but then wraps his arms around her and kisses her on the
cheek....and takes off running to the food.. I don't know..it just
reminded me of something my 15 year old Cody would do to me..... And
the thought of one of my boys going through that, just made me want to
die inside...


Anyway... I could go on and on....but I truly have no words....as you
can tell by the book i'm writing here....haa


There was a question and answer period last night with Mel himself. We
had heard rumors that he's been showing up to these screenings. I got
brave enough to put my hand up and ask a question about the miracles
that we had heard about, on the set. And he began to talk about so
many I couldn't really keep track. I remember hearing about one of the
actors being hit by lightning twice yet walking away from it..with only
smoking fingertips, healings , conversions on the set,..but I
especially remember him talking about a Two-year old child's, hearing
and sight being restored...and he said...you know you can't fake that
when you're two. So we know it was real.


He was asked about Spiritual warfare on the set...and he just
laughingly said..."Oh yeah..just being in Italy alone was enough
warfare,..but he said it was intense.


He said that the bad press surrounding the movie..is just a few small
pressure groups that are causing all the noise. But seem to have the
loudest mouths. And that became the reason for having these small
private screenings..is to get the word out and to start a grass roots
campaign into a swell. WOW....that sounds familiar. We all get the
chance to be Christ's disciples all over again, in a fresh new way...


Ricky Skaggs asked the final question of the night to Mel.....about how
we can pray for him, help him, spread the word etc. He said that
"prayer was the most powerful thing. And not to pray for all our
enemies to have warts grow on their faces, (laughter), but to pray for
our warring angels to fight against satan's angels, because the people
don't know any better, they are clueless...and they are just being used
by satan."


It was mentioned to everyone in the crowd who were artists, press
folks, radio..and such..anyone who had a website...to get on a mailing
list and sign up. That they would be sending links, so that everyone
could put it on their websites,...there would be movie trailers that
artists could take on tour with them, show at concerts....any type of
promo material on product tables etc.


They passed out a poster flyer last night as we left...and the official
website address is www.thepassionofchrist.com This is the address
they have on all promo materials for the movie.

It was a little easier to see the trailer on this site....as it was
equipped for all computers video capabilities.


You can go to this website and register to find out more info on how to
help. This other site that is listed will just give you more info on
press stuff and more press on the miracles that happened.


www.passion-movie.com


The movie comes out February 25, 2004.. Ash Wednesday...in theaters
nationwide. And the movie's official title is The Passion of the
Christ. Mel said that he spent 35 million of his own money to make
this movie.


Mel,.. I have to say is a man of the word! He knows the Bible..and is
a sold-out believer. He said that this movie has been his passion for
the past 12 years....just 3 years ago did the Lord begin to give him
landmark signs that now was the time to start filming the movie. He
mentioned some of them...but one that stuck in my mind, was him saying
that some random little old lady in France I think...came up to him and
said something to him that nobody could've known, I don't know what she
said to him..but he said the signs to get started on it, were
unmistakable.


Ok....well...I know that I am changed...and I pray that what I saw will
be etched on my brain forever...and Lord, help me to never forget the
price you paid for us all. Whenever I begin to argue, or
complain....shut my mouth Lord. And help us all to remember,...we are
not home yet...that heaven awaits all of us who believe in Him....and
that we all have a part to play, a heart to share, a burden to
carry...and a story of love and hope to spread....


Thank you for the cross LORD! Make it a point to take your entire
family to this movie!!!!


I love you all....and have a blessed Christmas holiday if I don't see
or talk to any of you before then...


Lisa B

I actually took the time to go to the first website. It is quite IMPRESSIVE.

Wondering if my son that will like a month being 11 will be able to handle it.

Hope it is in driving distance....I plan to be there.

Oh my goodness....you all must go to this site and watch the teaser trailer of this movie. I am in between classes and watched it in the library with no sound.....I can't wait to see this movie.

Here is the link www.thepassionofchrist.com

Saphy

Ok, just a bit more on this subject....

Advance tickets are supposedly available now by calling (888)227-1152
I haven't called yet...(I am still at the library) but I will call.
One of the websites said that the best way to show your support of this film is to buy the tickets.

I also found this tidbit on the second website listed in the message that I posted from my sister. I will just cut and paste it.

Q. Were there miracles on the set of THE PASSION during filming?

(A) Mel Gibson states in an interview, "There have been a lot of unusual things happening, good things like people being healed of diseases, a couple of people have had sight and hearing restored, another guy was struck by lightning while we were filming the crucifixion scene and he just got up and walked away."


hmmm...interesting.
Saphy

Hurry up February.

I went to www.passion-movie.com and looked at the stats for the states (shown by county) that have expressed thier desire to see this movie. Looks like southern CA is leading. But Harris Co (Houston) is pretty interested, too. Don't know if Beaumont will get it or even Lake Charles. But, if not, I am driving to Houston to see it.

I don't know why, but I somehow (in my little mind) thought that Mel played the role of Jesus. He doesn't. He does make a cameo appearance. He drives one of the nails into Jesus' hands. He explains the symbolism of this on the website in this post.

This is going to be an awesome movie. I usually don't get this "into" something. But, I believe that this project is worth getting behind.

Take care!

Saphy