.The Passion of the Christ

[Elvis]

Cool Flick. Great visual story telling. I think Mel did a good job. Check it out! Let me know what you think. 8)

[marjamar]

Whole family going this weekend... Can't wait.

-Rodger

[Wildcat]

I'll be going tonight at 9:55. I'd go earlier, but they sold out the earlier showings.

[kai]

Absolutely incredible.

Shut down the office today to go see it. Myself, my wife, everyone we were with, and the entire theatre walked out speechless... If you haven't seen it or don't have plans too, you need to.

[Dan_Lahav]

I'm going to watch it this weekend.

I heard it has a lot of antisemitic sentiments. Being Jewish myself, it concerns me a bit, but I like controversy. On an unrelated note, i read an interview w/ Mel's dad who is a huge antisemite and claims that Jews "fabricated the Holocaust and are conspiring to take over the world" :o

Article can be found here:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/kr/20040219/lo_krnewyork/furorjustbeforegibsonsthepassionopens

[Jive]

Thinking about seeing it tonight. Interesting what Mel's father had to say. Really kinda sad actually. But he's old, so maybe he's just senile. :-/

[kai]

I don't think the point of the movie was to point fingers at any one group... more to make you think about the event and it's meaning based on history

[David Jimerson]

OK . . .

Even if it did blame it 100% on the Jewish population of one town 2,000 years ago, if it's historically accurate, how is that in any way condemnatory of an entire religion? (Haven't seen it, so I don't actually know what it does.)

I mean, is it "anti-Russian" to say that that Communists slaughtered 20 million of their own people in the 1930s? To portray the event in all its graphic reality, with the perpetrators speaking Russian?

This is relevant to us as filmmakers, because while it's not government censorship, it's no less a "McCarthyism" than what's normally decried as such.

Anyway, not to stir up a hornet's nest . . .

[vovka]

OK . . .

Even if it did blame it 100% on the Jewish population of one town 2,000 years ago, if it's historically accurate, how is that in any way condemnatory of an entire religion? *(Haven't seen it, so I don't actually know what it does.)

I mean, is it "anti-Russian" to say that that Communists slaughtered 20 million of their own people in the 1930s? *To portray the event in all its graphic reality, with the perpetrators speaking Russian?

This is relevant to us as filmmakers, because while it's not government censorship, it's no less a "McCarthyism" than what's normally decried as such.

Anyway, not to stir up a hornet's nest . . .

Actualy it was from 1930-1950, and it wasn't russian kill it own people. Stalin was georgian. Beria was georgian.
But to your point, each new sovet leader rewriten history to fit his best intrests, sad to see same happen in USA today, then school history books modifyed to fit "politicly correct" movment.

[Dan_Lahav]

Jubal, like i said, i have not seen the movie. I can only speculate on what i heard... and that is that the movie may harbor anti-Semitic sentiments. The only reason i said it concerns me is because I feel people shouldnt be stirred by someones vision of history... In this case Mel's. If they do not want to accept it, then they dont have to. It's a free country. so calm down....

I'm a big fan of historical films. Many films portray a group to be the "dark shadow" archetype ie schindlers list, saving private ryan, black hawk down and many many others. The actions taken by the "shadow" does not condemn an entire race/religion of course...It is history, people change, and the actions by some are not the actions by all. I'm not against this film by any means. Actually, I'm totally for it and am excited to see it this weekend. It got excellent reviews. ;D

[David Jimerson]

I wasn't directing that at you, Dan -- only to those who try to see things which aren't there . . . particularly when most of the criticism came from a time before anyone had seen it.

[Jive]

Saw it last night. Awsome movie, very well done-- visually and historically. Mel's done good :)

[J.R. Hudson]

And the Passion stirs up more heat!

I agree as filmakers (artists) it is our job to be as honest as we can about history and NOT use 'artistic liberty' on historical matters and there probally isn't a more touchy subject on the planet than that of religion.

Too bad about Mel's father. Doesn't mean Mel is that way though. My father is a bigoted prick and I couldnt be farther away from that man than anyone.

I will see this film for what it is and will not walk away with any feelings towards the Jewish (One always hear's about the Jewish and the anti-semitic {spell?}) and I never have gotten it or understood why there is this view. Is it the religious beliefs? I don't even know or understand that if it is. Someone maybe can educate me?

I agree Dan, that there are two sides to every story (whether we agree with that side or not).

And Vovka. Thnaks for the history lesson. If there is a skewed vision of a country, it is the West's take on Russia (Cold War). We can just hope that people are opended minded enough to realize that is exactly what it is. I do not know anything about Russia except what I was taught in school (Cold War, Communism, etc). But I don't pre-judge based on that.

[Elvis]

Come on now! There were only Jews and Romans at the time. He came into the town 5 days earlier as a king then 5 days later they killed him. :-/

[J.R. Hudson]

Really?

I am open ears for a history lesson! (Serious) ???

[kai]

Yeah man, if you're up for a Biblical history session, I'm up for it John ;) Just let me know!

As non-entertaining as it may seem if you're not into it, the Bible is really full of incredible storys, truths, etc.. just look at the Passion... all based on the beginning of the new testament...

The anti-jew thing I never have really understood either... but this movie only shows what happened back 2000 years ago. I can't believe people are in a tizzy because someone chose to tell a story about it... The entire point of the movie was to show how everyone is responsible for his death... not just the jews that were involved in it's "carrying out"...

enough rambling for now :)

[Dan_Lahav]

John,
Jews have been looked down upon for ages throughout history by various groups...It's undeniable. Antisemitism has been around a long time. I'm not going to type it all out, but antisemitism generally stems from *6 major thoughts:

Antisemites generally believe...

"Jews possess too much wealth and power."

"Jews arrogantly claim they are the chosen people."

"Jews are a convenient group to single out and blame for our troubles."

"Jews killed Jesus, therefore we must hate them"

"Jews are different than us"

"Jews are an inferior race"

BTW> This is by no means a "feel sorry for me because im jewish" post. im just explaining to john the VERY basic reasons throughout history why jews have been persecuted. There is so much info out there, i havent even scratched the surface.

Anywayssss.....back to the movie..... ;D

[J.R. Hudson]

I have heard a few of those takes.

Thats too bad we have to live in a world with those viewpoints (On any race or religion). Kind of reinforces my fantasy of owning an Island.

Theres good people and there's evil people of all races, sex's, creed's and beliefs.

I might go see The Passion tomorrow. I still havent figured out where I stand with God in my life. Maybe it's better I see it without predujice or beliefs instilled in me.

[Dan_Lahav]

d00d count me in on your island ;D

oh wait... no internet...no DVXuser.com..... :o

[J.R. Hudson]

My Island has INternet!

Jeez. I am so sure.

[Dan_Lahav]

whew ;D

[kai]

I might go see The Passion tomorrow. *I still havent figured out where I stand with God in my life. *Maybe it's better I see it without predujice or beliefs instilled in me.

Open mind, open heart... give it a shot Hudson ;)

[Dan_Lahav]

you know you wanna... c'mon....everyones doin it...

First tickets on me

;D

[J.R. Hudson]

:D

I am. I am. I will go see The Passion tomorrow! And then afterwards I'm taking my DVX out to shoot!

[Neil Rowe]

..got advance tickets for a 9:00 showing tonight. looking forward to it. been a christian(real one..not just sayin that) for a long time(seems to be alot of us around here..). so im not going to come back to the board all converted, but ill post my thoughts tommoraz.

[David Jimerson]

I'm debating. I really don't see that many movies in the theater anymore (too long a string of bad theater crowds), so if I do, it has to be worth it. So I guess the question is -- is there really anything to be gained by not waiting until DVD? I mean, I *know* how the story ends . . .

[Neil Rowe]

.. i feel the same alot, but thers somthing about that silver screen and sound that submerses me in a film like no dvd can.. (probably the screen size, and sound loudness..:))

[Elvis]

I think a film with subtitles is always better on the big screen. 8)

[furystudios]

Just wanted to make sure you all knew to get there plenty early. I work at a theatre in Atlanta and not only have we had very large crowds (ended up interlocking Wednesday, Thursday and tonight), but also there are no previews before the movie. We have had quite a few people come out complaining because they got there 10 minutes late and had already missed 10 minutes of the film. I believe that this holds true for all theatres, although I have not had an opportunity to talk to anyone outside of our company (Regal Entertainment Group, which consists of Regal, United Artists, Edwards and Hoyts). That said, enjoy it, it's an excellent film.

[kai]

I saw it at a Cinemark... and it had trailers at the start....

[Elvis]

O.K I have to ask our Jewish filmmakers. Do you consider this a true story? :-/

[Dan_Lahav]

i'd rather not comment any further on any religious topics. At least not here. sorry

[marjamar]

O.K I have to ask our Jewish filmmakers. Do you consider this a true story? *:-/

I think you mean accurate story. It is of course a true story -- Well unless every piece ever written chronicling this event in history is bogus.

-Rodger

[J.R. Hudson]

I will read the bible passages to get a clearer understanding of what this is all about.

Dan, I hope you have not been offended! Your my main man!

[Dan_Lahav]

lol no im not offended J-man. I'd just rather not express my religious views on here ;D

There is a time and place for everything

[Elvis]

Interesting, it was a simple question. Just curious. 8)

[kai]

I'm reading a book right now called "The Murder of Jesus".. it's a biblical/historical review of the events of the crucifiction... Check it out if anyone is looking for a resource (other than the Bible of course...)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0849943620/ref=pd_luc_mri/103-7845239-6256669?v=glance&s=books&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&st=*

[J.R. Hudson]

lol no im not offended J-man. I'd just rather not express my religious views on here ;D

There is a time and place for everything

I understand. :)

[Dan_Lahav]

;D

[Jive]

I'm debating. *I really don't see that many movies in the theater anymore (too long a string of bad theater crowds), so if I do, it has to be worth it. *So I guess the question is -- is there really anything to be gained by not waiting until DVD? *I mean, I *know* how the story ends . . .



Without a doubt, this movie should be seen in the theaters. This is the first movie that I knew I was going to see again after seeing it the first time. And for someone who doesn't have a money tree in their backyard, that's saying a lot (honestly, I haven't seen a movie more than once in the theaters for many years now, maybe since '99).

Visually, this film is highly detailed, textured, etc. There's so much to see-- from the setting of the film, to the look of the characters themselves-- it's all very textured.

The audio end of the film is no less layered in its presentation. There's a lot to hear and where better than a good high tech theater to hear every little detail.

While most people *know* how the story ends, it's the presentation that really sends this movie above all others on the same subject matter. I'd say suffer the movie crowds and see this film in the theaters first of all.

[Neil Rowe]

..ok well i saw it last night. what can i say? you've really got to see it for yourself. the film certainly doesnt explain everything involved, the whos and hows and whys, but it gets the point across. so what else can i say.. its not any information that wasnt there for years previous.. just kind of makes you come to terms with it. i dont think anyone would be disappointed by seeing it.

[Elvis]

Did you see Mel in it?Yes you did. He was the hand drawing the line in the sand and a hand holding one of the nails. I've heard! 8)

[kai]

So John-

You check it out yet?

[Zoomforce]

Theres an awesome write up in the new ASC about Passion. Can't believe some of the stuff that happened on that production.

[J.R. Hudson]

I havent checked it yet! I lagged.

[marjamar]

Theres an awesome write up in the new ASC about Passion. Can't believe some of the stuff that happened on that production.

My wife & I, 2 sons and 1 of my 3 daughters are suppose to see it this week when we can all get together. 2 of my daughters have already seen it with friends and one of those friends said the guy who played Christ was struck by lightening TWICE! on the set while he was on the cross I believe I heard. Is this mentioned in that ASC write up? If so, guess that sinks another age old saying, huh?

-Rodger

[J.R. Hudson]

Are you kidding me?! :o

[marjamar]

No, my wife and I really do have 5 children... ;D

Oh, you mean about the lightening! ;) I would classify this as a rumor, only because it was told to my daughter and she didn't tell me where her friend heard about it. This is why I was asking Jarrad if this may be some of what he read.

-Rodger

[Elvis]

Guess who started that rumer? Anyone? 8)

[Zoomforce]

its not a rumour.. well kinda he (James Caviezel) was hit once and the Electric was hit once. James Caviezel was even saying how screwed up everything was on Leno.

I dont know, but if I was playing Jesus and I got hit by Lighting I would get the fuck out of there really, really fast.

[PurposeDriven]

His initials ar J.C. and he's 33... hmmmm

[J.R. Hudson]

Yeah. I'm not sure if i would to actually play Jesus per se.

Or fuck that, what about the dude that played Judas! :o

[Zoomforce]

messed up stuff..

[kai]

...or very cool, depending on how you look at it.

[Neil Rowe]

..yeah really for example, you could say they were somewhat naivley begging for that cross to get hit by lightning by putting it up in a hill all by itself during a storm, and having it contain metal objects in it, and the fact that the actors life was spared when it was hit is actually pretty amazing. still scary to be there though if i were him.. :)

[PurposeDriven]

Or how I look at it. Looking at how much Pain and suffering jim had to go throught. Getting hit by the whips. Seperated shoulder. Struck by lightning. You can see that the devil tried very hard to stop this movie from being made.

[Zoomforce]

I finally finsihed reading the article in the new ASC.. man they gave me alot of fantastic ideas.
The opening shot was done by using a crane with a platform that the stedicam op actually stood on and started shooting, and then the crane came down and the stedicam steped off and followed Jesus.. all one fluid constant camera move. Brilliant.

[Jive]

That's the exact same way they did the opening shot for "The Big Bounce" (which I don't think anyone saw). Except, the steadycam operator was in a harness and hooked to a cable that the crane raised and lowered. The problem with this is that he had to be 'unhooked' from the harness before he could continue his movement once he hit the ground. To say the least, the shot had to keep on being redone because they couldn't get him unhooked fast/smoothly enough for the shot to appear seamless. It seems as if they just came up with this idea right before doing it, so it probably wasn't well planned out. BTW, this was the first day of shooting and it seemed like no one knew what they were doing. The 2nd day of shooting was only slightly better, but by then I knew the movie would suck so I stopped hanging around. Tho I did get offered the job of assistant to the DP, Jeffrey Kimball (Top Gun, Jacob's Ladder, Mission Impossible 2, etc.), but that's another story... :)

[kai]

You can see that the devil tried very hard to stop this movie from being made.

Exactly. There's more to it than just a chance lightning strike or two... wow how convenient my house just got blasted last night... hmm...

[kyle_doris]

OK . . .

Even if it did blame it 100% on the Jewish population of one town 2,000 years ago, if it's historically accurate, how is that in any way condemnatory of an entire religion? *(Haven't seen it, so I don't actually know what it does.)


biblicy accurate doesn't mean historically accurate. i don't mean to offend those of said religion, i too was raised RC... but as i have not yet seen this movie and don't really plan to, i'm not sure if anything in the bible could be considered 100% historically accurate.

[marjamar]

Well my wife and I with our 2 sons finally got the chance to see it this past friday night.

For me it was a very moving story about the last day Christ spent on earth. All that went into the making of this film was very believable and very gripping. I could pick-out various depictions of events that were fashioned so-to-speak to extenuate key points in Mel's (or someones) interpretation of these events, but none that in anyway lessened or changed in my mind what actually would have happened based on my understanding of the bible and history.

For my wife, it was all too real. About the time Christ was being beaten, she had to leave. She is so tender hearted, it was just more then she could bare up to.

My 2 sons and I sat and watched... Most of the time white knuckled while we empathized with some of the feelings and torment Christ had to go through. Very heart stirring -- wrenching really. I do appreciate Mel's willingness to put everything on the line in making this movie. I also appreciate his thoughtfulness and insight on how these events would have/could have play out. To me, he had to have a great amount of spiritual insight to bring to the screen so many key points and in a way that almost forced the audience into a decision about how The Son of Man (Christ) understood and accepted his preordained role he must play for all humanity.

For any who are sitting on the fence, you really need to consider seeing this picture. It is by far the best ever made to show the most important event in all history. Whether or not your can believe it is not the point, so much as it is what most of humanity has and will continue to believe. As this picture serves to portray these beliefs so well, everyone would have a much better understanding of why these beliefs exist and must continue to do so.

-Rodger

[Jive]

i'm not sure if anything in the bible could be considered 100% historically accurate.

You can't even say that about history books published last year. *History is a matter of perspective. *For every single person who witnessed an event, you will get a different story based on each person's perspective and how they saw the event unfold. *The bible, including the accounts of the life and death of Jesus could be called different people's accounts of the same event. *As a result, what it contains may be a different from what might be considered "historically accurate", but accuracy really only goes as far as what has been documented. *The bible stands alone as the most in-depth account of Jesus' passion-- therefore, it is the most historically accurate account of the focus of this film.

Regardless, this film is one of the most well done films that I've seen in a long time and IMHO this film should be seen with no other pretense than seeing a great piece of filmmaking. *What you choose to get out of it beyond that is up to you.

[Neil Rowe]

"You can't even say that about history books published last year."

yeah.. after all they are still claiming that europeans like columbus "discovered" the americas and the like, arent they.....?

[theos]

Watched it the second time now and I see Gibson has realy woven a beautiful celuloid tapestry of scripture, tradition, meditations, emotions and historical events to depict the closest image of Jesus according to Matthew Mark Luke and John I have yet seen.

Dont miss out on the Mary / Jesus relationship, the Simon of Cyrene intervention and the tear of the Father. There is heaps to digest from any point of view. I suggset after watching it take some time off and let it soak in.

Great Job Mel & Jim !

[n0signal]

I saw this film today with a work collegue. I'm in no way whatsoever a religious person, philisophical maybe but certainly not religious. Have never believed in God or in the teachings of Christianity and always thought of the Bible as just a rather odd book (like all religious texts). I hope I'm not offending anyone here, I respect everyone's right to believe what he or she wants to belive, diversity is what makes society interesting.

But anyway, so I approached my viewing of the film with a completely emptied and open mind. I though it was really very good! You don't have to be a Christian to enjoy (maybe not the right word here!) this fine piece of filmmaking and even after leaving the cinema, images from this film still play on my mind. Cinematography wise, it reminded me very much of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, with lots of what looked like digital grading and over-use of slow-motion (no bad thing, just an observation). I guess both are mythological tales that are films more as "historical epics" among other things.

Anyway, yep, loved it. Ace film!! Avoided being pro-Christian propeganda and also all this talk of anti-semitism is utter SH*T!! 5/5

[David Jimerson]

on 5:18pm on 26th Feb, Jubal28 wrote:
OK . . .

Even if it did blame it 100% on the Jewish population of one town 2,000 years ago, if it's historically accurate, how is that in any way condemnatory of an entire religion? (Haven't seen it, so I don't actually know what it does.)




biblicy accurate doesn't mean historically accurate. i don't mean to offend those of said religion, i too was raised RC... but as i have not yet seen this movie and don't really plan to, i'm not sure if anything in the bible could be considered 100% historically accurate.

That's probably why I wrote "historically accurate." :-*

[J.R. Hudson]

I knew what you meant Jubal. :)

[David Jimerson]

Never doubted it for a minute, John. :)

[ckalan1]

If you have not seen this movie I encourage you to go see it this week. It is amazing that this event happened 2000 years ago and is still causing such a stir.

There was this man named Jesus who never murdered anyone and was put to death. Now Mel Gibson made a movie about Jesus's death. Now people are having major arguments and discussions about Jesus again.

Why John?

[J.R. Hudson]

Why john? ???

[shAi]

i find it funny :)
http://www.ifilm.com/showcollection?listidx=0&collid=1984

[J.R. Hudson]

lmao

man that was fucked up. funny though.

[Mike_Donis]

SO wrong. And yet....funny.... :-/

I felt bad for laughing

[J.R. Hudson]

:D Kind of like when you're at an Xl1 showcase?

(My orginal take was really in bad taste so i reverted back to the easy one)

[Phil]

I finally got to see The Passion. It was really powerful.

P.S. that website...wow...Why are the thorns on your head now? Nobody noticed until you said something. My bad....Whatever. LMAO

[Mike_Donis]

[quote ]Kind of like when you're at an Xl1 showcase?[quote]

EXACTLY like that. EXACTLY.

;D

[Contact_Therapy]

The opening shot was done by using a crane with a platform that the stedicam op actually stood on and started shooting, and then the crane came down and the stedicam steped off and followed Jesus.. all one fluid constant camera move. Brilliant.

A similar but more complex technique was used in Kill Bill Vol.1. I do believe it involved at least two different cranes where the steadicam operator walked off one and then got into another and then finally walks off it as it lowers all the while keeping Uma Thurman in frame. The scene is in the House of Blue Leaves part, right before Uma spots Sophie in the bathroom when The 5,6,7,8's start Woo Hoo. Take a gander. ;)

[kylelewis1]

Finally saw the movie this past weekend... yes, I know, only two months after most people saw it. I was very impressed and thought it was a very well done movie. It had some very powerful moments.

Now I did notice that the editing did not seem to be as well done as some of the higher priced movies like LOTR. I guess that would make sense considering how much more was spent on LOTR.

[Mike_Donis]

What was wrong with the editing? I didn't have any quams with it...

[mrbimmer]

Yeah I thought the editting was actually done quite well. I really liked that raindrop shot when Jesus was on the cross as it started raining. That was awesome. Woah I sound like Chris Farley...

[Terry_Lasater]

Hey, Kyle.. uhmm... uhhh... remember ... uhm... remember when you had that other avatar?... y'know the one that... uhm... the one that had that wild looking head on it?

That was awesome!

[mrbimmer]

;D LOL

[araujofh]

Even though this film was shocking, I think it was a good movie.

I told my grandmother not to watch it. Otherwise she would have a heart attack.

Mel Gibson did a really great job.

All the best

Fidel.

[J.R. Hudson]

Ill be buying the DVD when it comes out; havent seen it yet. Its hard to get jacked up to see the crucification. Weird, but IM not looking forward to watching it if that makes any sense?

[Mike_Donis]

It was the same for me before I saw it...I didn't really *want* to, but felt I *should* because I'd heard it was a poweful film.

[J.R. Hudson]

Exactly.

[Elvis]

That was the point, we all know how it ends. But it is how he got there and what he went through. A great movie!