About
The Passion of Christ and the Passion of Riverside
Pause. Contemplate. Consider. What does the cross really mean? Is there a spiritual reality behind the icon? What does an execution 2,000 years ago have to do with humanity today? The mysteries of the cross extend hope and offer answers that are found nowhere else.
Why another movie about Jesus?
Although roughly 100 movies have been made about Jesus, Mel Gibson feels that the story of Jesus' death and resurrection has never been accurately committed to film according to the four Gospels, the historical setting of first-century Palestine, and the physical brutality of the crucifixion. "I don't think it's ever been told as it should be," he says. The film is the culmination of 12 years of Gibson's personal exploration of his own faith.
Is this film authentic?
Mel Gibson has tried hard to make this film the most authentic movie about Christ ever made. "I'm trying to make it as authentic as I possibly can," he says. "Right down to the clothing. Right down to the eating customs of the Jews of the Old Law...." Actor James Caviezel's (Jesus) eye color and face has been altered to make him appear more Semitic. The entire script is in Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic, the languages spoken in first-century Palestine. The violence of Christ's torture and His crucifixion is also very realistic.
Why write the script in Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic?
These were the languages that were used in first-century Palestine, and in keeping with Gibson's desire for the highest level of authenticity, they were the natural choice. Gibson originally intended to not include English subtitles, either, relying instead on the power of the images to transcend language.
Is this film too violent?
"I think we have gotten too used to seeing pretty crosses on the wall, and we forget what really happened," says Gibson. " We know that Jesus suffered and died, but we don't really think about what it all means. Hey, I didn't realize it either when I was growing up. The full horror of what Jesus suffered for our redemption didn't really strike me. But when you finally see it and understand what He went through, it makes you feel not only compassion, but also a debt. You want to repay him for the enormity of His sacrifice. You want to love him in return."
Where was "The Passion" filmed?
There were two main locations that "The Passion" was filmed. The crucifixion scenes were filmed in a beautiful city called Matera in the Basilicata area of Italy. The rest of the movie was filmed on a set built by Production designer Francesco Frigeri and decorator Carlo Gervasi; it is complete with a temple, courtyard, a Praetorium, Pilate’s Palace and various smaller sets.
Were there miracles on the set of "The Passion" during filming?
Mel Gibson states in an interview, "There have been a lot of unusual things happening, good things like people being healed of diseases, a couple of people have had sight and hearing restored, another guy was struck by lightning while we were filming the crucifixion scene and he just got up and walked away."
Why does "The Passion" focus on the last 12 hours of Jesus' life?
In an EWTN interview, Mel Gibson states that he chose that last 12 hours because that is the pinnacle of Christ's sacrifice.
Does Mel Gibson make a cameo appearance in the film?
Mel Gibson's hand is the one that puts the nail in Jesus' hand - symbolic of the fact that he holds himself accountable first and foremost for Christ's death. Christians believe that Christ's passion and sacrifice were required to redeem all of humanity from of its sins.
I heard that the actress who played Mary, Jesus' mother, is actually Jewish. If this is true, does she consider the film anti-semitic?
The actress who plays Mary, Maia Morgenstern from Romania, is Jewish. She was interviewed recently about the film - that article can be read here.