Comment: The Passion is more complex than critics, supporters may admit
By Peter T. Chattaway
EVERYTHING you know about The Passion of the Christ is wrong. For over a year, the film's most vocal critics have said Mel Gibson's movie about the death of Jesus is anti-Semitic, while its most vocal supporters have said no, it's only an accurate representation of scripture and history. In truth, the film is neither.
First, the charges of anti-Semitism. It is true that Gibson's film tends to divide the Jewish race into those who follow Christ and those who try to have him killed; and it is true that The Passion, like many other films in this genre, is too soft on Pontius Pilate (in contrast to the callous, vicious figure portrayed by Luke and Philo), which has the unfortunate effect of making the Jews seem just that much more responsible for Jesus' death.
But Gibson also goes out of his way to emphasize the Jewishness of Jesus and his followers. The first time we see his mother and Mary Magdalene, they recite a key passage from the Passover seder about being set free from slavery; and when the Roman soldiers force Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross, one practically spits the word "Jew" at him. While Gibson could have gone further with this than he did, he never lets us forget that the Jews at this time were the victims of oppression.
In addition, a look at Gibson's earlier films reveals he is anything but anti-Semitic. In his 1993 directorial debut, The Man without a Face, Gibson plays a classics tutor who feels dehumanized by his community, partly because one side of his body is covered in burn scars, and the first Shakespeare passage he recites is Shylock's "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech from The Merchant of Venice. Thus, Gibson draws an implicit link between his marginalized character and a Jewish character who also feels cut off from society.
So both Gibson and his film are a lot more complex than their critics give them credit for. But The Passion is also more complex than its supporters seem to recognize.
It is quite telling that the only way many Christians know how to defend a work of art is to assert that it is an "accurate" adaptation of scripture, as if to minimize its artistry or creativity. It is even more telling that many Christians make this assertion even when the work of art in question contains several elements that are quite definitely not accurate.
In his portrayal of the crucifixion, Gibson rejects modern historical scholarship wherever it interferes with the details of his medieval vision. He also erroneously identifies Mary Magdalene with the woman caught in adultery; and where Luke tells us an angel visited and strengthened Jesus in Gethsemane, Gibson has Satan pay Jesus a visit and taunt him instead. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with these sorts of artistic decisions -- but they are not exactly "accurate".
And of course, Gibson puts a lot of violence in his film that is nowhere to be found in the gospels, or even in the visions of Sr. Anne Catherine Emmerich, the stigmatic nun whose Dolorous Passion partly inspired this film -- so much so that you can't help wondering whether Gibson, who won Oscars for producing and directing the gory medieval revenge epic Braveheart (1995), is indulging his more sadistic side.
As Hollywood Worldviews author Brian Godawa rightly points out, every film about Jesus is a product of its time, and that is as true of The Passion as it is of the others. But The Passion is also a highly personal film on Gibson's part, so it also reflects his own artistic and theological inclinations. And in order to fully appreciate this film, we will have to talk about it in those terms.
This column is not a review of the film, which will be released to theatres across the country February 25. But to help put the film in some sort of broader artistic context, here are a few points to consider.
First, recent war movies like Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down and the Gibson-starring We Were Soldiers have gone out of their way to be more violent than the movies that came before them -- but why? Is a film more truthful just because it is bloodier than the others? Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ and the Visual Bible's adaptation of Matthew were also once hailed for their grisly crucifixion scenes; does the law of diminishing returns apply to the violence of Jesus films, too?
Second, just as Braveheart was about nothing if not the definition of masculinity, Gibson seems to want his Jesus to be more manly than the others -- that is, to be more tough. Jesus commits the film's first violent act, as he crushes a snake underfoot, and he practically invites a second round of flogging by standing up straight and showing the soldiers he can take their abuse. Has Gibson perhaps reinvented Jesus in his own masochistic image?
Third, as Thomas Hibbs argues in his excellent book on nihilism in pop culture, Shows About Nothing, recent films have tried to find a sense of meaning by boldly proclaiming the existence of evil. If evil exists, then good must exist too, right? Gibson's film, with its vivid depiction of human and demonic cruelty, seems to fit that pattern, but should a movie about Christ settle for that sort of message?
Fourth, the film's poster says, "Dying was his reason for living," and there is some truth to that. But did not Jesus rise from the dead? Did he not say he came that we might have life abundantly? Frederica Mathewes-Green notes that the church fathers tend to speak of Jesus' death within the broader context of his Incarnation -- so might it not be more accurate to say that living was Jesus' reason for dying?
Finally, note this film's use of flashbacks and point-of-view shots. Traditionally, films about Jesus have protected his divinity by objectifying him and keeping him at a distance; more recent films have explored his humanity by treating him more subjectively -- we see his dreams and hear his thoughts -- but they have also tended to lose sight of his divine authority. How does The Passion deal with these matters?
It is by asking questions like these that we can go beyond merely "using" the film as a ministry "tool" and truly engage with both the art and theology of Mel Gibson's disturbing, inspiring, and always challenging cinematic vision.
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More Controversy Surrounding Mel Gibson's New Film
I'm afraid that the Vatican itself, through its own duplicity and through its own, I'll say it, lying have -- they've thrown Mel Gibson to the wolves.
Rod Dreher, The O'Reilly Factor, January 23
Love, hate & furor
Controversy grows over Mel Gibson's 'Passion'
New York Daily News, January 25
Mel Gibson's Passion doesn't have to be divisive
Foxman raises troubling points. But before becoming overly alarmed over this movie's prospects for divisiveness, let's hear from some Christians who also have seen it.
Howard Goodman, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, January 25
Will Gibson film on Jesus poison Christian-Jewish ties?
David Elcott, director of interreligious affairs for the American Jewish Committee, also saw the Jesus movie last week at one of the nation's largest evangelical churches, in a Chicago suburb. The movie shows the Jews as a "mob spitting, scratching, yelling, pummeling" at Jesus, "their faces contorted," Elcott said. "This movie is an assault on our commitment to interreligious dialogue and respect."
Jewish Telegraph Agency, January 27
Inside Mel Gibson's "Passion"
A clergyman infiltrates the grass-roots campaign for Gibson's new Gospel film to catch a screening and reports that Jews, Arabs -- and Christians -- should be worried.
Cintra Wilson, Salon.com, January 27
Passionate Letters
The Revealer has begun to wonder whether the real story around The Passion is not so much its alleged anti-Semitism as the odd combination of indignation and bemusement with which so many journalists and secularists have responded to the film -- or rather, to rumors of the film, since so few have actually seen it.
The Revealer, January 27
There's Never Been a 'Passion' for the Truth
Depictions of the Crucifixion always have taken liberties. . . . The pope's reported verdict on Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" -- "It is as it was" -- is what admirers have been saying about every Passion play since the first one was performed in the 12th century.
James Shapiro, Los Angeles Times, January 28
Passionate Thoughts
The idea of corporate guilt is stultifying. Yet it is constantly being fed, as by such doings as President Bill Clinton's going about Africa apologizing for slavery. It is one thing for modern Americans to regret slavery, quite another to apologize for it. Slavery, like anti-Semitism, is perpetually regrettable, but only those who engage in regrettable activity need to apologize for it. If it were otherwise, who among us could be free of ethnic or racial or religious taint from one or more historical abominations?
William F. Buckley, National Review, January 28
Many passionate for Gibson's Jesus film
Advance ticket sales and screenings will be available before the premiere.
TCPalm.com, January 29
Mel and Me
So, what can Mel do to prove he's not anti-Semitic? Well, how about offering to donate a share of the profits from The Passion to organizations battling anti-Semitism?
Maurice O'Sullivan, Orlando Sentinel, January 29
Mel Gibson agrees to change 'Passion' film to combat anti-Semitism
Mr. Gibson is very concerned, and is making a historic contribution to combat anti-Semitism. Never before has any effort been made in any Jesus film to correct the myths and misinformation propagated by Jew-hatred.
Mike Evans, WorldNetDaily.com, January 29
Many Worry About New Mel Gibson Movie
Jews and Christians who fear Mel Gibson's epic on the crucifixion of Jesus will fuel anti-Semitism are planning lecture series, interfaith talks and other programs to try to mute the film's impact.
Associated Press, January 29
Christians Launch Effort To Counter Film's Impact
With the controversial film "The Passion of the Christ" set to open next month, some Christian groups are launching campaigns to counter theological errors that may exist in Mel Gibson's account of the death of Jesus, while several Roman Catholic scholars are calling on their church to outline publicly its doctrinal belief as a counterbalance to the movie.
Forward, January 30
Catholics Greet Gibson's 'Passion' With a Cacophony, Not a Chorus
The critical question about the film, it seems to me, is how the Jewish leaders are portrayed. Are they crude and vicious stereotypes? If they are, then the film is clearly marred by antisemitism, be it conscious or unconscious. . . . But, for the love of the Holy One (His Name be praised), my Jewish friends, let's not make this another Jewish-Catholic conflict. That would only sell more tickets.
Andrew Greeley, Forward, January 30
A Tie-In Made in Heaven
Mel Gibson has tapped into a church-based marketing network that has been waiting for a religious film like his 'Passion of the Christ.'
Los Angeles Times, January 30
Churches buy thousands of tickets to 'Passion'
Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" doesn't open in the theaters for almost a month, but a growing number of Chicago area churches already are buying thousands of tickets to ensure that their members get to see it.
Chicago Sun-Times, January 30
The Times has no Passion for Christian forgiveness
The New York Times seems set on a Mad Max shoot-out with Mel Gibson over his movie, The Passion, which deals with the last hours in the life of Jesus Christ. I don't see the newspaper scoring any points from one of its most discreditable performances.
Frank Devine, The Australian, January 30
Enraged Filmgoers: The Wages of Faith?
The advent of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" has brought with it a controversy that seems, at least at first glance, familiar, even ritualistic.
A. O. Scott, New York Times, January 30
Gibson Surprised by Controversy Over 'Passion'
"It kind of put me back on my heels a little bit," Gibson said in an interview featured in the March edition of Reader's Digest that hits newsstands on Feb. 24.
Reuters, January 31
Gibson Sends Passion Film Critic a Conciliatory Letter
Gibson's letter to the Anti-Defamation League's Abraham H. Foxman, a copy of which was obtained by The Times, asks him to join in "setting an example for all of our brethren; that the truest path to follow, the only path, is that of respect and, most importantly, that of love for each other despite our differences."
Los Angeles Times, January 31
Gibson calls for Jews to accept 'Passion' film
Gibson has turned a cold shoulder to Foxman's repeated requests to preview the film and discuss its content.
Jerusalem Post, February 1
Faiths inspired to act on 'Passion'
Mel Gibson's new movie, which focuses on the last 12 hours of Christ's life, will be promoted in novel ways by many Wichita churches.
Wichita Eagle, February 1
Does R rating really tell the story of 'Passion'?
The graphic violence in Gibson's film raises the issue of what it takes to be labeled NC-17
Los Angeles Times, February 2
Controversial 'Passion' presents priceless opportunity for education
Icon Productions leaked our report to the media, presented our assessment as an "attack" on Christianity, and has worked hard to keep the controversy alive until the movie's release Feb. 25. . . . Catholic concern has been deemphasized and Jewish concern emphasized to enhance the idea that the controversy is a Christian vs. Jews argument.
Paula Fredriksen, Christian Science Monitor, February 2
Gibson's right to his 'Passion'
Jewish leaders feel wounded that he never consulted them on the script or historic details, but he also left out Protestant and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Michael Medved, Christian Science Monitor, February 2
Gibson to preach to the choir
Leery of the press and stung by criticism that his film will kindle anti-Semitism, Mel Gibson is taking his controversial movie, The Passion of the Christ, directly to churchgoers.
USA Today, February 2
Gibson's 'The Passion' won't sow anti-Semitism, Memphians say
Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ," which opens nationwide on Ash Wednesday, is continuing to create controversy -- and commerce -- as the movie heads toward release on Feb. 25.
Commercial Appeal, February 2
Campaign to Counter Gibson Film Planned
Jews and Christians who fear Mel Gibson's epic on the crucifixion of Jesus will fuel anti-Semitism are planning lecture series, interfaith talks and other programs to try to mute the film's impact.
Associated Press, February 2
Campaign against Gibson's Passion
Jewish and Christian groups have announced a lecture campaign after fearing Mel Gibson's upcoming film on Jesus could incite anti-Semitism.
BBC News, February 2
'Passion' in check
How religious groups plan to deal with the uproar
New York Daily News, February 3
Mel Gibson's Passion might be 'brilliant,' but not good
A number of readers had heated things to say about The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson's imminent blockbuster that's said to pin the death of Jesus of Nazareth on the Jewish people.
Howard Goodman, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, February 3
Ad Timed to Gibson Film Release Refused
AMC Theatres is refusing to accept a 30-second ad produced by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and timed to coincide with the Ash Wednesday opening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."
Associated Press, February 3
Jewish groups left out of Passion
Thousands of Canadians have already seen Mel Gibson's controversial film The Passion of the Christ before its much-anticipated commercial release Feb. 25, but none of them have been official representatives of the country's Jewish organizations.
Globe and Mail, February 4
Critics debate 'The Passion,' Gibson evades the debate
Reams of sympathetic publicity continue to describe Gibson as "a devout Catholic." In fact, he is not. Catholics belong to churches that recognize the pope as their religious leader. If you don't, you're not a Catholic. It's as simple as that.
Tim Rutten, Los Angeles Times, February 4
'Faith' inspired Gibson's movie
Gibson told Readers' Digest magazine: "I think the germ of it came at a time when I was really searching, asking all those Hamlet questions."
BBC News, February 4
Gibson to Delete a Scene in 'Passion'
A scene in the film, in which the Jewish high priest Caiaphas calls down a kind of curse on the Jewish people by declaring of the Crucifixion, "His blood be on us and on our children," will not be in the movie's final version, said the Gibson associate, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
New York Times, February 4
Mel Gibson Mum on Controversial 'Passion' Scene
Actor-director Mel Gibson is keeping mum about whether he intends to cut or keep one of the most controversial scenes in his upcoming film about Christ's final hours -- that of a Jewish high priest declaring a blood curse on Jews for the death of Jesus.
Reuters, February 4
Actress: Gibson's Movie Not Anti-Semitic
The actress who plays Mary in Mel Gibson's passion-stirring biblical epic "The Passion of the Christ" says her parents were Holocaust survivors but she does not consider the film anti-Semitic.
Associated Press, February 4
Controversial film must be a personal experience, too
Talk of controversy offers only self-fulfilling rhetoric that fails to attend to the decidedly more significant questions that this film raises for our personal reflection.
Thomas F. Dailey, The Morning Call, February 4
Religion Writers Caught Up in 'Passion' Film Controversy
Religion reporters face many challenges covering the new Mel Gibson film, "The Passion of the Christ." Among them: balancing the often-opposing reactions of Christians and Jews, and carefully drawing on religious history to put the movie into perspective. But their biggest challenge may be getting in to see the film in the first place.
Editor & Publisher, February 4
Pastors prepare way for movie release
In an effort to address the issues that may be generated by the movie, "The Passion of the Christ," more than 50 area pastors and church members gathered at the Athens First Baptist Church Wednesday afternoon to discuss how to prepare for the film that is due out in theaters Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Tyler Morning Telegraph, February 4
Area Christians, Jews await 'Passion'
Churches, synagogues try to rent theaters for private showings of Gibson's Crucifixion film
Akron Beacon Journal, February 5
AMC Theatres Changes Tune On Church Ad
Ad To Coincide With Release Of 'The Passion Of The Christ'
KSAT News, February 5
Theater, Baptist group compromise on ad
AMC Theatres said Wednesday that the company will show a Baptist General Convention of Texas ad tied to the opening of the film, after initially objecting to words it used.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, February 5
Some Christians See 'Passion' as Evangelism Tool
For years it was an article of faith for many Christians that the most powerful vehicle for bringing nonbelievers to Jesus was a Billy Graham crusade. Now, they expect it will be a Mel Gibson movie.
New York Times, February 5
Churches flock to see controversial film on Jesus
Three weeks before it appears in theaters, Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" has won a host of disciples, who are busy moving heaven and earth to make sure the movie opens big.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 5
Church to offer a preview of Gibson film to non-churchgoers
The Harvest Pointe Christian Church in Milford plans a private screening of the film on Feb. 23 at AMC Newport on the Levee, two days before it hits screens all over the country.
Cincinnati Post, February 5
