2004, USA
Biography, Drama, History
What would the world be without religious focus? It can bring faith to the huddled masses, peace in times of war, and affect the political control of nations. In Mel Gibson's eyes, it is important that the guilt of Christianity is felt through a literal translation of the Bible, especially in Jesus Christ's final hours on Earth.
Horrifically gruesome and bloody, Gibson leaves nothing to the imagination -- or the stomach. There is no room for interpretation, simply visions of flailing flesh and a physical Devil (so that there is no confusion of what constitutes good and evil). Flashbacks allude to prior prophecies that have come to fruition, and only twice mention Jesus' teachings.
In the muddied waters of guilt and agony are lost the true messages of Christianity. The hatred that has brewed out of the ignorance of those who insist they are religiously and morally superior to all others is applicable today, but it is evident that Gibson's true focus is the guilt that is passed on from ancestors long dead. Under the belief that people are eternally marred and sinful, it is hard to discover their innate ability to do good and treat others with respect. Gibson uses his pulpit to preach the fire and brimstone that eventually burdens his congregation with grief and frustration.
Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel (The Right Stuff, Gibson's The Patriot) brings little to the visual palette, and John Debney's music holds familiar chords with Peter Gabriel's Last Temptation of Christ soundtrack (a far more intriguing and thoughtful film of this subject). James Caviezel's Jesus is properly pained, and the Marys (Maia Morgenstern and Monica Bellucci) portray their anguish with controlled despair.
The DVD has no extras (though one can choose to remove the subtitles and focus on the Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew languages spoken), but after a visit to the official website one can come away with a Passion Nail (TM) pendant for $52 (plus taxes, shipping and handling). Message received.