The Passion of The Christ (2004)
"Brave Art."
Starring: |
Jim Caviezel
|
Released By: |
Newmarket Film Group |
Released In: |
2004 |
Rated: |
R |
Reviewed By: |
Adam Mast |
Grade: |
A |
Wow! I've just returned from a screening of The Passion of the Christ, a film that has already stirred up a good deal of controversy. And, to be honest, I'm at quite a loss for words to describe this amazing film.
Let me start by saying that I'm not a religious person. I do believe in God and I have read the bible, but I don't attend church on a regular basis and I wouldn't say I belong to any one faith.
I've enjoyed a number of other films that have depicted the life of Christ or portions thereof. Some based on Biblical accounts (the outstanding The Greatest Story Ever Told) and others that take a more provocative and even speculative approach (see Martin Scorsese's brilliant Last Temptation of Christ).
What Mel Gibson does in The Passion of the Christ is give us an unflinching look at the final twelve agonizing hours of Christ's life, and he does so in breathtaking, authentic fashion. But everyone should also be warned that this picture is extremely graphic, realistic and relentless in it's scenes of unimaginable brutality. Gibson and his team re-create these final hours with a fearless attention to these savage details, so much so in fact that I found myself moved to tears on several occasions.
Is all this violence necessary? I guess that depends on your views. It's clear here that Gibson wants us to gain a better understanding of what Jesus willingly subjected himself to because of his love for us. Therefore, I wouldn't call the graphic brutality in this picture gratuitous, but it may be extremely uncomfortable for many to sit through. There were people who walked out of the screening I attended, not because they were offended, but simply because they could not bear to watch it. I must confess, that moments were even tough for me to handle, and having seen countless violent films, I've become somewhat callous to it.
And in another incredibly bold move, Gibson opted to shoot this entire film in Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew (with English subtitles) adding to it's intricately detailed authenticity. So you should be aware of the fact that this is a film that requires you to read along.
The look of this film is astonishing. Francesco Frigeri's art direction, Maurizio Millenotti's costume design, Caleb Deschanel's breathtaking cinematography, Greg Cannom's make-up, and John Debney's gorgeous musical score (perhaps the best of his career), make this an event rather then a mere movie experience. I'd also like to give a special thanks to Newmarket Film Group for having the courage and vision to release this picture (they were also instrumental in getting Whale Rider and Monster released).
Jim Caviezel's portrayal of Christ is incredibly intimate and this is certainly a star making turn, although I'm quite certain that this did not figure into his decision to accept the role. Caviezel purports to be a deeply religious person and he took the role after much convincing on the part of Gibson. The anguish he endures during this film is painfully real. But the scenes in which he comforts those around him are heartbreakingly effective. Caviezel embodies spirituality and strength and it is through his nearly sealed eyes and blood soaked body that we experience and gain insight into this extraordinarily horrific event.
Maia Morgenstern is stunning as Mary. Her despair and exhaustion as she witnesses the suffering and death of her son is beyond gut-wrenching. This is an amazing performance.
Not surprisingly, The Passion of the Christ has become the topic of much debate - particularly from those groups who would criticize the film as being anti-Semitic. While I sympathize with these people and understand their concerns, I whole-heartedly disagree. In my opionion it is mankind who is on trial here, and if you consider Christ's mission to be a fait accompli, then there are really no villains. At any rate, after watching Schindler's List, I didn't feel contempt for the entire German race - then or now.
It is sad and unfortunate that the history of the human race is rife with shameful examples of intolerance, genocide and persecution. And as we've all seen in the past several years these things are still going on as you read this. To condemn all Jews, for Christ's death, would be no different than condemning all Caucasians for the treatment of negroes during the Slavery era, I could go on forever with these examples. It also seems fair to mention at this point, that two of the most salient aspects of Christ's teachings involved forgiveness and also the grace to turn the other cheek. I would hope that if there's one thing that this film should impress upon those who watch it, is that persecution and violence is never justified.
It should also be noted that this film depicts the last twelve hours of Christ's life. It was this portion of the story that Gibson found the most compelling and powerful. Suffice it to say, there was much that came before it. So if you're looking for good source material as to the back-story, you all know where to find it.
As I watched this picture it was clear to me that Gibson has enormous passion for this project. He's risked a lot to bring it to the screen. Many of you are thinking to yourselves; "Risks? This guy's rich!" That hardly matters. This movie was very important to him, so much in fact, that he funded the film himself despite the disapproval of many around him. In fact at the horrific moment where we are about to see the nail hammered through the hand of the Christ, Caviezel hesitated a moment before he offered his hand. I've read that, rather than put anyone else through this gut-wrenching detail of the crucifixion, it is actually Gibson's hand that you see in this scene.
I have to admire him for his courage of conviction. He's fashioned a powerful film that I don't think I'll ever forget. This is merely his interpretation and there will, no doubt, be people out there irritated by stylistic choices he's made (such as the numerous shots of a Satan figure lurking in background), but that's the beauty of the film medium.
I was very moved by The Passion of the Christ. It was extremely painful watching Christ's slow, torturous trek as he bore the very cross toward his own crucifixion (a sequence that unfolds in real time), but it was this realism that I appreciated. Every fall, every savage blow he recieved to prompt him forward, and every profoundly moving glance he offered his brutal captors, make for what will surely be the most emotionally powerful movie of the year.
After all, this is the story that all Christians base their fatih upon - the son of God driven to the utmost capacity of human suffering in order that one day we may all be forgiven or saved. This film dares to examine the very crux of the human condition and, for this, Gibson is to be applauded.
The Passion of the Christ is obviously not a film one will want to view for entertainment value. It's deadly serious and honest in it's depiction of quite possibly the most important event in history (if you believe). And even if you're not a believer, it would be extremely difficult to deny the sheer power of this poetically devastating cinematic experience.
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