It Is As It Was?

“THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST” directed by Mel Gibson

Evocative.

There has already been so much said regarding the production of Mel Gibson’s film, the subsequent controversy it has evoked, and the cross-denominational support it has engendered. One could talk endlessly about any one of these subjects. However, the flurry of emotions preceding and running rampant around the periphery of this film failed to capture or prepare the viewer for the undeniable power of the cinema experience itself. The only thing certain to overshadow this two-hour, nine-minute experience will be the inevitably strong reaction of every single viewer carried out of the theatre and into their communities well after the credits have rolled.

I saw the film with my wife, a few Christian friends, and a gaggle of theatre employees. Some of the latter made snickering remarks before the film began, teasing about weak people who would cry and be overly-sentimental about the movie’s content. They seemed to have little interest in the film. We were not subjected to any trailers or commercials (apparently a decision made for ALL Regal Cinemas), merely a black screen and then the Icon Pictures Logo introducing the film. (What preview would one advertise before the death of Christ, I wonder? The latest Adam Sandler flick? Spider-Man 2? Without knowing for certain, Regal’s decision strikes of understanding and respect). The film opened with a familiar quote from Isaiah, a prophecy written down 700 years before Christ. We then cut to the Garden of Gethsemane and, over the course of two hours, follow the Son of God from the garden to the grave. (more…)