MARCH 2004

ARTS & entertainent
Christ’s passion
comes to theaters
BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
In John 3:16 it is written: “For God so
loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son so whoever shall believe in
Him shall not die but have eternal life.”
With that one passage, some people might
sum up Mel Gibson’s new movie “The
Passion of the Christ.”
The drama opened to the public on February
25, (Ash Wednesday) but long before its release,
Jeff Cavins saw a special screening of the movie
with producer/director Gibson. “It was a unique
perspective to sit with the producer as we viewed
the film,” said Cavins, national talk show host on
Relevant Radio. “What I picked up from Mel was
his incredible passion for ‘The Passion,’ and his
singleness of mind for conveying the true story.”
Ave Maria College and Ave Maria
Communications in Ann Arbor hosted screenings
of the movie throughout the Metro Detroit
area prior to its national release. “I think people
are hungry for the truth of the Gospel,” said
Teresa Tomeo as she recited from the famous
verse found in the book of John. The broadcaster
on WDEO hosted one
of the events at the Star
Gratiot movie theater.
“Knowing that a devout
Catholic man is behind
this production is a comfort
to those who want
to see an accurate portrayal
of ‘The Passion.’”
Cavins said that
Gibson has been focused on the movie since
his conversion to Catholicism 12 years ago,
and that the controversy surrounding the film
will not deter his passion for Christ, even if it
means his Hollywood career comes to a halt.
“He knows it is a pivotal issue - he doesn’t
care,” said Cavins. “He is completely content
never to make another film as long as he has
the opportunity to complete this project.”
Mel Gibson’s rendition of the last 12 hours
of Jesus’ life has spawned criticism, but Tomeo
is not surprised, stating that the Bible is clear
that the world did not recognize, appreciate or
Mel Gibson directs actor Jim Caviezel who
plays Jesus in “The Passion.”
accept Christ when He walked the earth. She
believes that those who are opposed to the
movie are opposed to the message of Christ.
“I also think the movie is coming under attack
because it is produced by a Catholic,” said
Tomeo. “The Catholic Church is the only
church that has stood strong in terms of its stance
regarding many issues, especially the sanctity of
life and marriage and the family. Despite all the
controversy, I think the movie is going to do
extremely well and, most
importantly, it is going to
change lives. You can’t
encounter Jesus and not be
impacted.”
The dialogue in the
movie is spoken partly in
Aramaic, the language spoken
by Jesus. The use of the
language will surely offer
authenticity and power. The
movie is rated “R” due to graphic detail in the
crucifixion scene of Christ. If you intend to
have your children view the film with you,
know that these scenes are violent and disturbing
in nature.
The movie is already being touted as one of
the most influential films in history. Never
before have the final hours of Jesus’ life been so
vividly portrayed. Gibson is quoted as saying,
“I want to show the humanity of Christ as well
as the divine aspect. It’s a rendering that for me
is very realistic and as close as possible to what
I perceive the truth to be.”
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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 27