The Passion of The Christ

I have to be honest; this is not a film I can review objectively because I had the pleasure to be involved with “The Passion” project since I first met with Mel Gibson at Icon in September of 2002.  I was asked to create a “behind the scenes” special about “The Passion of the Christ” (which aired on PAX and TBN) so I traveled to Rome and was on the set to observe what went on behind the scenes, firsthand.  Although I was present during the filming of several scenes and even watched some of the dailies with Mel and his crew, nothing, and I mean nothing could have prepared me for the film Gibson ultimately created.

This is a “Jesus epic” that will be remembered historically for many reasons. Not only has Gibson created a masterpiece in filmmaking but the movie itself will influence the world in many ways and for many reasons. It is already being viewed as an evangelizing tool for Christians. And what about the way this film has been talked about, praised, ridiculed, condemned and constantly in the press for over a year before its release?  “The Passion of the Christ” is a cultural phenomenon and a publicist’s dream, unlike anything Hollywood has ever seen or dealt with before. What began as a simple project that Gibson called his “labor of love,” has grown to be bigger than anything he (or anyone at Icon) ever dreamed it would be - and that’s what Hollywood is afraid of.  And let’s not forget the “God Factor.”  Jesus is just as much a controversial topic today as he was over 2,000 years ago.  Just as the world knew of him then, God is using Gibson’s film in a creative and unusual way to make sure the world knows Him today.

My take

To write a review of this film as entertainment seems somehow wrong or misplaced. Unlike Gibson’s other films, this is not a “popcorn” movie meant to “entertain.”  Gibson underwent a spiritual journey almost thirteen years ago that led him to a fuller understanding of what Christ must have gone through on the cross and that’s when he became passionate about “The Passion.” He began a quest to tell his version by avoiding the entire story of Christ’s life (as many of the old Bible epics have already done) and instead rendered a firsthand glimpse at the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, beginning in the garden of Gethsemane and ending with his resurrection in the tomb. This is more of an emotional journey than anything else. An experience designed to make you feel as though you’re a witness to Christ’s remaining hours on earth, when history was forever changed by His story.

Choosing who should play Jesus Christ could have been a grueling process but for Gibson it was simple. There was only one actor whom he considered for the role of Jesus and that was Jim Caviezel. As Gibson puts it, “Jim has a glow about him, a childlike quality, an innocence that was necessary for the role. He simply IS Jesus.”  Caviezel is nothing short of brilliant in this film.  If indeed Hollywood loves to give Oscars to actors who go through extreme physical changes, bad makeup and are even more favored if they go through some form of torture, then Caviezel definitely deserves an Oscar for his performance. His ability to speak volumes with just one look, one glance from those piercing blue eyes (which were changed to brown) is a tribute to much more than just his gifted acting ability.  Caviezel put his heart and soul into this role - he became Jesus. He told me there were times when, “something took over,” as he began to do certain scenes, he knew it wasn’t his ability alone.  Several times I would watch Jim standing in chains or sitting with the crown of thorns on his head, silently praying as they set up the next shot. He not only stayed in character but spiritually he was constantly in tune throughout the entire film, in every scene, day-in, day-out, and it shows on screen. When he speaks in the Aramaic language, it’s as if we get a glimpse of Christ himself, sharing the word of God. His scenes with Morgenstern are real, emotional and captivating. Never before has the relationship between Jesus and his mother been portrayed so real, so personal, and so human.  Caviezel told me that when he was cast for the role of Jesus, he was 33 years old and in case you haven't already realized it, his initials are JC. 

Monica Bellucci is absolutely breathtaking as Mary Magdalene. The camera loves her and as Gibson likes to tell the story, “I couldn’t make her look bad.” Bellucci doesn’t have many lines but she doesn’t have to, her beauty, her love and respect for Jesus are part of her character and she simply glows. There’s a scene where Mary is mopping up the blood of Jesus from the stones in the courtyard where he was beaten.  Mary reflects back to when she first met Jesus, reaching out her hand to touch his foot (which is really Mel’s) and gazing into the eyes of a man who just saved her from being stoned for adultery.  I appreciate the way he ended up creating that scene without dialogue, with just a look, as he masterfully did in so much of this film. I had a chance to speak with Mel about that scene and it is one of my favorites. Another powerful scene is when Jesus is crucified and they flip the cross over to bend the nails, only Mary Magdalene can see that the cross is floating above ground so that Christ’s face never hits the dirt. It’s a miraculous moment.

The opening scene in the garden lays the spiritual foundation that takes place throughout the entire story. It is from that beginning that we see the warfare between the realms of light and dark - good and evil - Jesus and Satan. It is here that Mel first uses his creative license with the gospels by actually portraying Satan in physical form. Gibson chose a female (Celentano) to play the role because he wanted an androgynous look that included beautiful features with a shaved head, no eyebrows and a man’s voice.  It is likewise from this scene that we get a glimpse of how maddening it must have been for Jesus to have Satan constantly chiding him, berating him with lies and creating a sort of psychological torture that no one else could see.

Through the brutal flagellation scenes, the agonizing procession to the cross and Christ’s painful crucifixion, the only moments of escape from the insanity are through numerous flashback scenes appropriately woven into the story.  Mary sees Jesus fall with his cross so she runs to him and holds his head in her hands, remembering the time she ran to him when he was a little boy. Jesus looks into her eyes and says, “See mother, behold I make all things new.” It is a pivotal scene in the movie.  While Jesus is being crucified we are shown the last supper, bathed in golden lights with Jesus’ disciples lovingly by his side. As he washes their feet and breaks the bread of communion saying “Do this in remembrance of me,” the scene switches back to his body being broken on the cross…and the symbolism is clear with every blow of the hammer.  

The clothing, beards, hairpieces, jewelry, etc., were all meticulously selected because it was important for Gibson to have a realistic and authentic feel to his story. The special effects (FX) were created by a team from LA who did everything from special prosthetic noses for Caviezel, to creating bloody scars and flesh that he would wear through most of the film. Their crowning achievement was a mechanical Jesus (used for scenes on the cross) with a chest and head that moved. They also had the task of developing a unique way to film the crucifixion scene where a spike (held by Gibson’s own hand) is shown going through the hand of Jesus.  One of the more unusual effects Gibson created is a tear from God that falls from heaven (right after Jesus dies) and when it hits the ground, it sets off an earthquake that destroys the temple.

Should parents take their children to see this movie?  Gibson has said that he doesn’t think this is a movie for kids under 12 and I agree.  When both men and women weep through a film and many can’t speak afterwards, how much more do you think children will be emotionally affected by this film?  This is not a “must see” movie for kids nor is it a “kid-friendly” Jesus movie. Your child will need to be able to read subtitles fairly quickly and it would help to be familiar with the account of Christ’s death. I think parents should see the movie first, then according to your child’s maturity, prepare your child for what they are about to see.  Make sure your child is familiar with the story of Jesus resurrection beyond the tomb because the film ends inside the tomb which may be a little confusing for some.