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| The Passion-less by Steve Wetzel March 7, 2004 Everyone and their mother seem to be giving a review of "The Passion of the Christ." I just saw the film 30 minutes ago - and have a few words about it. Two words that immediately come to mind about this film are "boring" and "awful." It was one of the worst portrayals of Jesus on film - and I am not including films that are only meant to slam our Lord like the "Last Temptation of Christ." This film pales in comparison to great movies like the "Greatest Story Ever Told." This movie misses in a big way because its Jesus does not connect with this writer. The movie begins in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus praying. Within minutes he is being beaten by the guards and tossed off a bridge. The problem is, the film jumps right into the violence without taking the time for the main character to establish a connection with the audience. What you end up with is a lot of graphic violence done to some poor schmo. You are disconnected with the pain he is suffering - as you cannot relate to the man feeling the pain. Let's put it into more simple terms. I felt more connection to Arnold's terminator role in Terminator 2, then I did the Jesus of Gibson's film. And the terminator's role that he was playing - was a robot! Halfway through the movie I wanted to leave - it was that boring. In all honesty, if this movie were about anyone else - save Jesus (and the fact it was made by Mel Gibson) - it would be a box office disaster. Some have said this to be a great witnessing tool or opportunity. Maybe, but not from what I saw. Billy Graham states that when he thinks of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, this movie is what he will think of. Saints - I gotta be honest with you - this will be a movie I will be trying to forget. I don't even need to go into the wacko parts of the movie like the crow pecking out the eye of the one of the thieves on a cross (what in the world was that all about?) - much less when Jesus was being scourged, his mother's need to leave the scene and get linen from *Pilate's wife* - so she could wipe up the blood of her son after the scourging. And what was with that Satan character carrying around a baby with a demonic face??? The film also contains two ESP moments. The first time Jesus is struck, Mary feels it and exclaims that "something is wrong." In another scene, after Jesus is questioned by the high priest, Mary goes to where Jesus was standing, and places her head on the ground like an Indian trying to find out how far away the enemy troops are. The scene pans below ground, where Jesus is chained and he looks up to where his mother is - directly above him. Also troubling is the role that the Apostle John plays. Through out the movie, he is always at Mary's side and seems more concerned about Jesus' mother then he does about what is happening to Jesus. Indeed - John appears to be more the disciple of Mary then of Jesus! In conclusion: Putting all the theological problems aside, you simply have a bad movie about Jesus where the film's "Jesus" totally misses the mark in connecting with its audience. If you haven't seen the movie yet - pass on it - and instead rent a copy of "The Greatest Story Ever Told." You will be glad you did! Just my take on the movie - Back to |
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