Passion, Persecution, and Power
Passion, Persecution, and Power
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=4440744§ion=news
Well, here we go. The whirlwind has begun. The Passion of the Christ opened yesterday and as expected, the mainstream media is amplifying the voice of a relative few groups of people who have complained (since long before the movie was released, no less) of anti-semitism as though it were a crowd of epic proportions. Critics are “concerned about reaction to the film” both inside and outside the United States.
How uncharacteristic of them. No one seemed concerned about the reaction to violent movies like Freddy vs. Jason whose depiction of violence is absolutely purposeless or sex-saturated films like The Real Cancun whose entire purpose is to capitalize on the pathetic sex starved antics of voyeuristic young people. No one seems upset about the horribly graphic depiction of life as a prostitute presented in Monster including a brutal rape scene. Rather, people are lauding praises for that movie! No one in Hollywood seems to take offense at the countless stereotypes of Christian ministers and clergy depicted as drunkards, rapists, child molesters and power junkies. But for some reason, this movie that shows the historically accurate story of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for mankind is a reason for outrage!? Suddenly, Hollywood sounds conservative!
I think not. It is painfully obvious that there is more going on here. Hollywood likes that they can put down Christianity as a sect of bumbling idiots in the minority who have no clue about reality and are all about control. Regardless of the facts to the contrary. They like the fact that they can squelch the moral consequences of a depiction of the Gospel of Christ by downplaying and berating both the God-man and his followers. This movie has the potential to actually affect people, to gain wide audience, to perhaps change some of the views of our culture and there is a large segment of elite individuals who don’t like that. They are very happy with the fact that they can control the morals and opinions of the population. Mel and his friends are walking on their territory!
This manipulative agenda is quite obvious in the New York Times’ turn from cries of Anti-Semitism to the statement that “to condemn “The Passion of the Christ” for its supposed bigotry is to miss its point and to misstate its problems.” Apparently the problem lies in Gibson’s “most serious artistic failure” was that “he never provides a clear sense of what all of this bloodshed was for.” Seems quite a change from previous comments .
Of course, many are going to seize on the woman who died of an apparent heart attack during the film. Even though the verdict isn’t in yet on why she died, whether she had any pre-existing conditions, etc. And, naturally, for those who want the film’s message squelched - this will provide a perfect opportunity to complain. However, having watched the movie at a special showing on the 24th, I can tell you that the crucifixion scene (during which the woman apparently expired) is in no way the most emotional or painful part of the movie. It was actually a relief to get to the crucifixion.
I guess I’ll end this way. If there’s such a concern suddenly for bigotry, violence and inappropriate material… why does it seem to manifest itself only in this movie? It’s a question that needs to be answered. Artistic license is apparently not valid for people who actually want to convey a message.
Tags: News and Media
