There really is no spoiler to “the greatest story ever told.” But discussing my thoughts on Mel Gibson’s adaptation of the gospel story here may spoil the movie for some. So proceed with caution.
I’d say Mel Gibson directed a masterful representation of the gospel story. It is a powerful and intense film. I was moved. Some violent scenes, however, were unbearable to watch. There’s no sugarcoating here, that’s for sure. Although the bloody suffering of Christ is central to the film, Gibson artfully used a series of flashbacks to show relevant points in Jesus’ life. I feel they balanced the brutality so far portrayed (they also accentuated it, I suppose).
The decision to use the original languages of the day, Aramaic and Latin, is brilliant. The speech inflections and body language that are distinctly middle eastern lend the movie an air of authenticity. To see the local people of Jerusalem represented in the crowds and among the major actors is refreshing.
Having said that, I feel Gibson may have played up some characterizations that border on caricature. The people of Herod’s court were vile depictions of debauchery. Some Roman soldiers came off as cruel and heartless. But perhaps it was a fair portrayal. Ruthless men have existed throughout history. Caligula, Stalin and Hitler are but a few that come to mind. I think it’s important to note that many Christians suffered and died, shortly after the death and resurrection of their Saviour, at the hand of the Roman empire as they were burned at the stake, crucified or fed to the lions.
As for the portrayal of the Jews? I feel it was even-handed. Even as the Sanhedrin were falsely accusing Jesus, many chief priests walked out, calling the illegal trial a “travesty.” During the flogging scene, several chief priests again walked out, visibly troubled by the brutality. In addition, as Jesus Christ was carrying his cross through the city, many local people sympathized with his predicament and several came to his aid.
Out of curiousity, I reread the passages in the bible that were portrayed in Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ to see if the movie jibed with the Gospels. Although some brief passages were drawn out in the movie for artistic purposes, I have to agree with the pope and say, “It is as it was.”
Update: mere minutes after writing this post I come across this review (via P&F) that makes me want to retract my agreement with the pope’s statement.