Monday, February 23, 2004
'Passion of the Christ' proves to be windfall for theaters
"There was no way this movie wasn't going to happen, even though I'm not sure I have the whole answer as to why," Gibson told USA TODAY. "I just know that I was compelled to (make it)."
Opening Ash Wednesday, The Passion is an unflinching glimpse of Jesus' last 12 hours on Earth. Where most movies promise to deliver us from the profound, Gibson's film will test viewers' ability to stomach endless beatings in the name of either art or religion, depending on the beliefs moviegoers bring to the theater.
Gibson, a traditionalist Catholic who shuns the faith's concessions to modernity, appeared to be taking a huge professional gamble by financing this $30 million pet project. The third act most Hollywood insiders expected: The Passion loses money, studio executives avoid Gibson's calls, and fans dismiss him as a religious zealot who is no longer believable in secular roles.
But someone is blowing on Gibson's dice. On Thursday, distributor Newmarket Films announced a 40% increase in theaters (2,800) screening the film nationwide. Box office watchers say controversy combined with block ticket sales to church groups could well lead to a $30 million opening weekend, likely ensuring that Gibson will profit from his Passion.
Keep a few numbers in mind: In the USA, there are roughly 220 million adherents to a range of Christian faiths. There are 2 billion Christians worldwide, roughly one-third of the planet. That's a lot of movie tickets.
The director's timing couldn't be better. Christian organizations have grown increasingly vocal in national debates on everything from marriage to entertainment. John F. Kennedy's Catholic roots were considered a presidential liability in 1960. Today, President Bush refers frequently to being a born-again Christian and how that plays into his decision-making.
Gibson says it was easy to pony up his millions for this vision: "Materialism isn't one of my things. I was as happy with $5 as I am with more. It was just something I needed to do. Christ's sacrifice just grabbed me. I had no choice."
Maia Morgenstern, the Romanian actress with haunting eyes who plays Mary, says Gibson's "soul is in the script." That's not all. When Jesus is nailed to the cross in The Passion, it is Gibson's left hand that pins each stake in position.
To hear one colleague tell it, Gibson was shocked when the world took notice of the project unfolding at Rome's Cinecitta Studios.
"I remember talking to Mel just after he started filming, and he was just stunned, stunned, that anyone was paying attention," says Independence Day producer Dean Devlin, who worked with Gibson on The Patriot. "I don't think he really was prepared for the reaction.
But for Gibson's part, he still seems miles away from his next gun battle or loopy lark in women's pantyhose. He comes across as someone who has given birth to a child he'll defend until the end.
"This has all gotten pretty personal, and, you know, if you can't attack the message, then there's an old Latin expression, ad hominem, against the man," he says. "I guess I knew there were some shots coming, and it's my job to excuse those. Just take it and suffer. I think that leads to spiritual growth."
Permalink
