The Passion Of The Christ

The Passion Of The Christ

Mel Gibson has done it again after his Oscar clutching Braveheart, a film that I neglected to see. Here, the violence is so appaling and so unecessary, I feel it is one of the most violent films I have ever seen. As many filmgoers know, violence on its own is not entertaining, and needs backing, which Gibson does not do. I rather like Mr. Gibson, enjoying his entertaining turn in the splendidly silly Mad Max anthology, but his comments to his girlfriend have less than impressed me and the blatant anti-semetic undertones to this film rests my case. I know that I am supposed to admire the direction, but on some films, if it is better directed, it is worse. I am reminded of another very violent film, Kill Bill. That film was very violent but at least Tarantino provided characterisation and development. Despite this, Jim Cavizel's Performance is a career best, perfectly capturing Jesus' sorrowful state. However, we rarely see must of Cavizels face, since it is covered in prosthetics and makeup most of the time. Some performances are beyond the pale, such as Monica Bellucci, giving a cringeworthy performance as Mary Magdalene. i sat in awe of Magdalene, so good in Irréversible, flunking her weak Aramaic. But let me get to what everyone has been fuming about, the anti-semetism. Although it is not as clear to me why it is anti-semetic, I can tell and I hope, Gibson keeps his psyche canned for the moment. As for the violence? It is so repetitive and in-your-face, it soon gets boring. Sure, it's gory, but in a conoluted and drab way, which goes well with our current society. VERDICT- A mixed bag. Jim Cavizel's performance triumphs, but with bland supporting acting, and halfhearted direction, it is a dull flick.

2/5

Teo