Six months after its release, Passion still making headlines. Plus: Beast-ly film claims Christ never existed; Crusades film in the works; Narnia date finalized; a conservative defends Harry Potter.
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 08/16/04
The box office receipts and Oscar chances of Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ are insignificant compared to what the film has given audiences—a vivid, "passion-ate," personal work of art from the heart and mind of a man unapologetic about his religious convictions. Even its critics have to admit that the film has moved, inspired, and in some cases transformed those who have seen it—just as it has infuriated, frustrated, and bewildered many others.
And yet, the film's financial success and the potential of its DVD sales (coming to stores August 31) are a topic of much discussion in the mainstream media, and with Oscar nominations only a few months away, some are beginning to wonder if Jim Caviezel will earn a nomination for his portrayal of the suffering Christ, if Maia Morgenstern's nearly silent performance as Mary will win a nod, or if Mel Gibson stands any chance of honors as a director. Best Picture? Considering Hollywood's hostility toward organized religion, it would have to be a longshot.
Whatever comes of this, it's clear that the film is not leaving the news headlines anytime soon. This week, almost six months after the film's opening, there are still plenty of noteworthy Passion news headlines.
The film topped a readers' list of 'pro-Catholic' movies in Faith & Family magazine and the National Catholic Register newspaper. (On the other end of the survey, The Order took the top honors as the most "anti-Catholic" film.)
Six "Christian film insiders" say The Passion has opened the gates for more Christian-message films. A few studios are allegedly promoting themselves as "Christian-friendly." A related article on "cinevangelism" was posted at Canadian Christianity.
Mel Gibson earned a spot on the Men of the Decade list in New Man Magazine. From an article celebrating the selections: "Whatever the future course of Christianity in the world, there is little question that it will be shaped in large part by … Mel Gibson. Surpassing both the JESUS film and every movie about the life of Jesus ever made, Gibson's film will shape the world's understanding of the death of Jesus for generations to come."
Meanwhile, The Passion premiered in Malaysia, where only Christians are allowed to see it. Apparently some folks protested and even defied this restriction.
Elsewhere, rock musicians contributed to a new Passion-inspired album (Thunderstruck), and one of them, former Creed frontman Scott Stapp, talked to our sister site, Christian Music Today, all about it.
In other movie news:
The Beast: Upcoming film to claim that Christ never existed (Official site)
Here's the premise of the film. Here's the trailer, the filmmaker's blog, and a discussion board.
Christians and Muslims clash in Ridley Scott's Crusades movie (New York Times)
Kingdom of Heaven depicts the 12th century Jerusalem clash, and stars Orlando Bloom.
Narnia will hit screens earlier than originally planned (Narniafans)
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will release December 9, 2005. In other Narnia news, Ray Winstone is Mr. Beaver (NarniaWeb) and Sala Baker, LOTR's Sauron, joins the cast (Narniafans).
A conservative defense of Harry Potter (AmericanDaily)
Witchcraft? Or meaningful metaphor? Author John Granger discusses his new book.
War of the Worlds is priority #1 for Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg (imdb.com)
Push for project delays Spielberg's film about the Olympics and Cruise's Mission: Impossible 3.
CIA nominee tells Michael Moore he's "not qualified" (NY Daily News)
Florida Republican Congressman Porter Goss apparently told the filmmaker, in an outtake from Fahrenheit 9/11, "I couldn't get a job with the CIA today. I am not qualified."
Gestapo officer faces off with a Catholic priest in The Ninth Day (Yahoo! News)
The film is the first feature by German director Volker Schloendorff since 2003's The Legends of Rita.
"Jesus is Magic" show to become a movie (Zap2it.com)
Comedienne Sarah Silverman is adapting her religion-jabbing stage show for a big screen treatment.
A conservative defense of Harry Potter (AmericanDaily)
Witchcraft? Or meaningful metaphor? Author John Granger discusses his new book.
L.A. screening of Birth of a Nation cancelled due to protests (LA Times)
Theatre owner received threats after planning to show 1915 classic, which depicts KKK life.
Filmmaker Wim Wenders' relationship with U2 chronicled (Interference.com)
The director of Wings of Desire has inspired Bono and Co., even to make their own film.
"Rootlessness": a prevalent theme in contemporary films (Salon)
Charles Taylor looks at the meandering spiritual journeys of characters in recent movies.
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