Passion of the Christ (The)

Genre: religious drama
Director: Mel Gibson
Release: 2004
Studio: Icon Prodns - Equinoxe Films, Newmarket Films
Rating: R
MBiS score: 8.2/10


Never Discount Man’s Inbred Brutality


Several films have already been made about Jesus but, in his rendition, Mel Gibson has chosen to focus on the Nazarene’s last day as a mortal man, from his heartbreaking vigil on the Mount of Olives to his crucifixion at Golgotha. Accordingly, Gibson’s film emphasizes the insane violence that Jesus brought upon himself by preaching a faith unacceptable to religious leaders of his day. Time and time again, history has shown us that subversion begets repression and, when he embarked upon his mission, Jesus knew full well what would happen to him. Nevertheless, he carried on and, as seen in THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, he sacrificed his whole being for his principles and all of mankind.

To drive home this timeless message of cruelty and redemption, Gibson assembled an international cast including Jim Caviezel (Jesus), Maia Morgenstern (the Virgin Mary), Monica Bellucci (Mary Magdalene), Mattia Sbragia (Ciaphas, the High Priest), Hristo Shopov (Pontius Pilate), Luca Lionello (Judas Iscariot) and many others. He also added a few flashbacks for context and a character not specifically mentioned in the Scriptures – a contented Satan played by Rosalinda Celentano – who inspires and witnesses the mayhem. From a technical point of view, the Saviour’s passion is depicted with aesthetic sense, great detail (dialogues were written in Aramaic and Latin) and horrendous realism. If you have read Ian Wilson’s remarkable book on the Shroud of Turin, which thoroughly explains the many horrible aspects of crucifixion, you will appreciate Gibson’s competent recreation. The flagellation scene with spiked whips is especially heart-rending; according to Wilson, that ordeal alone was instrumental in Jesus’ early death. Some may argue that the movie’s violence is excessive but most of it is confirmed by Gospel accounts and the customs of the day; there is really nothing gratuitous or exploitative about it.

As we all know, the film sparked many a controversy when it came out. Some have accused Gibson of being biased against Jews. Since I am a mere cinephile, I will voice no opinion on the matter but, in my view, the film contains no evidence of anti-Semitism. It is true that Jews (and Romans) were responsible for Jesus’ death but, in similar circumstances, men of other races or ethnic groups have behaved in much the same fashion throughout history; therefore, if we must play the blame game, we should indict all of humanity, myself included, for the barbaric events committed twenty centuries ago in Jerusalem and the atrocities perpetuating even today.

What more can I say about THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST? That it is a truly memorable production, a useful lesson well played by all actors and ably scored by John Debney. On a personal level, the film will affect you in much the same way as SCHINDLER’S LIST for it is an unforgettable and truly stupefying experience. In these times of trouble, it also serves as a necessary condemnation of human folly and the killing of innocent people any day and anywhere.


MBiS

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