02.28.04
scourged
“Jesus Christ.”
That was about all we could say in our clever attempts at laughing off the horrific 130 minutes from the 4pm showing of “The Passion of the Christ”. I know several people are boycotting the movie because Mel Gibson is a poopy head and I’m down with that, but I’m also a pop culture whore and when there is something burning up the right and left and bad ass enough to start killing off soccer moms in the bible belt, well, I need to be there. Also, I wanted to see what had a bunch of people screaming anti-Semitism.
As Jeff and I processed through the movie on the ride home, we both came to the same conclusion that it wasn’t anti-Semitic. No one should feel like spitting on their Jewish brothers when they leave the theater. Now you might want to spit on some puffed up, headdress-wearing, black-hearted high priest when you come out, but that’s about it. As far as I’m concerned, the Jewish people as a whole shouldn’t be lumped in with the bad apples of a corrupting religious hierarchy much as I, as a baptized catholic (and currently non-practicing protestant), should be lumped into the College of Bishops in Rome. Dirty is as dirty does and we’re just the peons going where we’re pointed most of the time.
But lordy is that movie bloody. The scourging scene is one of those moments that makes you just want to cringe in your seat. I felt the same way watching the opening 17 minutes of “Saving Private Ryan” and the whole of “Schindler’s List”. But just because a movie makes you uncomfortable isn’t a reason not to see it. Jeff and I agreed that coming out of the theater, neither of us had a better understanding of who Jesus was or what he was about than when we went in, but we have a better feeling for the misery of the Passion which I think, is was the point.
From a purely cinematic point of view which is my favorite, the movie itself is stunning. Say what you will about Mel Gibson but the movie almost feels like it has no dialogue. It’s all about the slow motion and extreme angles and amazing music that, much like impressionistic art, is more about how it causes you to feel that what you’re really seeing. The best part of the movie or at least, the most significant for me is the lurking Lucifer in the guise of an eyebrow-less woman with her demonic minions floating through the crowds. It was continually unnerving and gave me the other-worldly balance I needed to weigh the grueling reality of repeated torture.
It’s a toughy, no kidding around, but it really is an event.
February 28, 2004 at 10:27 pm
The Passion of Christ
Visually stunning portrayal of the story we learn and discus so well. See it. Be moved. Human dignity here is revealed. Get that any human might live, stand and dye with such convictions.
Power brings every person, every view to elevation and every aspect gets discussed and gotten. The Passion generates wonder in me. I say, if any body leaves this movie generating some hostility towards another human being or group, it is only that person hold on an unwillingness to forgive or be forgiven. This blood-shed is powerful. This movie is Classic Cinima.
-Windon Newton
February 29, 2004 at 7:09 am
i wasn’t going to watch mr. poopyhead’s movie, but you’ve changed my mind, beau. but i reserve the right to still hate Mel.
BARB said,
February 29, 2004 at 5:51 pm
I SAW THE MOVIE ON THURSDAY… I WAS SPEECHLESS…YOU DESCRIBED EXACTLY HOW I FELT.. AND THAT LURKING LUICIFER WITH THE WORM IN HER NOSE…THREW ME OVER THE EDGE..THAT WAS A SCARY DEVIL.
March 1, 2004 at 10:14 am
For me, the issue of the movie’s merit is almost beside the point. I’ll still be damned if I’m going to give that Jew-hating, homophobic SOB a dime of my money.
March 1, 2004 at 5:39 pm
Granted, I haven’t seen the movie, so I shouldn’t comment, but I have to point one thing out. You say: “As Jeff and I processed through the movie on the ride home, we both came to the same conclusion that it wasn’t anti-Semitic. No one should feel like spitting on their Jewish brothers when they leave the theater.” I can’t say whether the movie is anti-semetic or not, and that isn’t what gives me pause. What gives me pause is that not everyone is as enlightened as you are. Our secretary at work was saying today that the movie was amazing, and so true to the bible, and that “those Jews” were just terrible. I’d hope she can distinguish what she calls “those Jews” from THIS Jew, but I’m just not sure. And that didn’t make me feel good. I’m not saying that the movie shouldn’t have been made, just that the movie makes me uncomfortable because of the message I’m afraid the viewers will take away from it.
March 2, 2004 at 4:06 pm
I watched the Passion and I was moved! I and the christians that I know have never ever thought that the jews as a Nation are to blame. The Jews according to the Bible, are “Gods Chosen People”. However, the religeous leaders 2000 years ago were corrupt. Jesus himself denounced the scribes and Pharisees. This movie is not about hate for anyone. It is about a world of people who needed a Savior and his name was Jesus. The scriptures clearly tell us these things were going to happen, and they did. He died for you and me, the Jew and the Gentile. God loves us all. Embrace the Resurrected Lord. God Bless,,,John,,,,