More On The Passion of the Christ

As the movie's premier day approaches, more reviews are popping up. That's not surprising, as director/producer Mel Gibson is now previewing it to folks around the country. Two reports are here and here. Both are very appreciative and glowing. Once this film hits, it's gonna be big. One theater even plans to devote every screen (all 20!) to the film on opening weekend, he expects that much business.

Of course, it's still being referred to in the press as "controversial," because of months-old complaints from the ADL that the film is anti-Semitic. Those complaints came from an early (not filmed) draft of the script. Almost every review I've seen so far that references those complaints says that the film isn't and makes the culpability plainly that of the Romans and the Sanhedrin. But, the ADL is a powerful lobby, and the press loves a good conflict, even a manufactured one, so that's the tag on the movie for the mainstream press and media.

The $25 million flick, which was financed, cowritten and directed by Gibson, has come under attack for allegedly reviving the controversial notion that Jews were responsible for Christ's death, as well as its graphic portrayal of the Crucifixion.

Gibson has repeatedly denied that the film is anti-Semitic and said that it's his intention "to inspire, not to offend." He's also attempted to stem such talk by holding sneak peeks for leaders of both Christian and Jewish faiths as well as religious scholars and fellow industry players, many of whom defended the film.

This way, the press can cover the film within its usual template of conflict, rather than face the central story, which is the subject of the film. It defangs the religious part, which makes it coverable for the agnostic press, and sidesteps it as well.

The movie opens February 25th, Ash Wednesday. I predict one of the largest opening weekends ever and possibly a $300 million box office before it's over.