The Passion of The Christ, directed by Mel Gibson, portrays the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus. Jesus may be one of the most challenging characters to portray. Any actor bears the emotional weight that goes with telling any part of His story, because of the strong spiritual association with this character.   Mel Gibson From his first Australian films as an actor, including “Tim” and the Mad Max series, to his directorial work, including “The Man Without a Face” and “Braveheart”, Mel Gibson has proved himself an able storyteller in the medium of film. Mel Gibson brings his strong Catholic beliefs to this film, as does Mr Caviezel. Gibson pursued authenticity in telling this story by consulting with high-level theologians and church officials at the Vatican. Gibson plans to tell the story without subtitles, trusting the power of visual storytelling to transcend language barriers. He wants to show the humanity of Jesus as well as the divine aspect. In addition to the New Testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Gibson and Ben Fitzgerald scripted from several other sources, including Mary of Agreda’s “The City of God”, and freely adapting the diaries of Anne Catherine Emmerich collected in “The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”. The Los Angeles-based Jesuit linguistics professor Bill Fulco—a Jesuit Father, who will also serve as the on-set dialogue coach, translated the screenplay into Latin and Aramaic. Postscript Added June 18, 2004 Forbes Magazine named Mr Gibson at the top of its ‘Celebrity 100’ list, partially based on the gross for this film in US, estimated at US$370 million and more than US$600 million worldwide, which contributed to his earnings over the past 12 months estimated at US$210 million. [ top ]   Character Jesus There is possibly no more ephemeral a historical figure in all of storytelling than Jesus to represent on film. The same challenge would present itself to an actor working in any story representing Buddha or Muhammad or Abraham, or any other spiritual leader. In this film, Jesus will speak in Latin and in Aramaic. The story covers the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus, including the passion and his death. It will be interesting to see how Mr Caviezel’s visage is altered to render this essentially European actor into the look of a man born in a town in the northeast of Israel called Nazareth. Digitally warmed chocolate eyes, perhaps? [ top ]   Initial Details September 23, 2002 thanks to HS and to V This project is currently in pre-production at Rome’s Cinecitta Studios. Principal photography is scheduled to begin November 4 and continue for 10 weeks, according to Mel Gibson in his press conference held on Friday in the Sala Fellini at Cincitta. Locales include the towns of Matera and Craco in Italy’s southern Basilicata region in addition to the Cinecitta back lot and four sound stages. Added September 28, 2002 You can read more about Cinecitta and its role in storytelling on film over the past 65 years, and how its reputation as “...the place where Artistic Dreams Come True” was earned, in the October 4 issue of Entertainment Weekly. The article informs us about ways important stories told on film were affected by the facility, including “Cleopatra”, “Roman Holiday”, “Ben Hur”, and most recently, “The Talented Mr Ripley” and “Gangs of New York”. We found it a worthwhile read. Added October 10, 2002 thanks to DE and EI We learn from DE the Latin root word for passion, which is passio, meaning suffering. For believers, The Passion refers to Jesus shedding His blood to redeem us. You may want to use that when explaining the film’s name, to avoid any confusion about which passion is involved in the story. In the Italian interviews we sampled from today, Gibson was asked about why he chose Mr Caviezel to play this part. “Because he is so human, so completely human”, came Gibson’s reply. He also said several other very nice things about Mr Caviezel. Added October 16, 2002 In this year’s Entertainment Weekly power issue (678, October 18, 2002), Mel Gibson is ranked as number three in the entertainer list, just behind Hanks and Speilberg. The paragraph suggests that directing ‘Passion’ may be his biggest challenge yet. Although casting Mr Caviezel as Jesus is mentioned, we trust that’s not the challenge. But the choice of languages without subtitles certainly may be. Added October 29, 2002 To help you practice your Latin, you can visit the official Cinecitta site, where at least you can practice your Italian. Your Latin roots need the polish. Explore the site to learn more about the film in progress, with a nice section on Mr Caviezel, his chosen profession and some of his credits. Added November 3, 2002 The French newspaper, Le Monde, carries an article about “The Passion”, in which Mr Caviezel is mentioned in rather favourable light. That Mel Gibson entrusts Mr Caviezel with the part of Jesus presents a strong, positive commentary on Mr Caviezel’s abilities as a storyteller. Apparently preparations established a firm base for the scheduled start of principal photography tomorrow. Added January 18, 2003 HollywoodJesus.com, a Web site that looks at film products through a spiritual lens, published a ‘review’ with many links to deeper details about this film. We are humbled and grateful to them for including a link to us on their page. You can find a transcript of the O’Reilly interview on the HollywoodJesus.com ‘Passion’ page. [ top ]   On the Set Added November 6, 2002 thanks to MW Francesco who lives in Matera where principal photography for “The Passion” is taking place these days, built a Web site to keep us all posted about filming progress. He promises an English version, which we will link to as soon as we can confirm that it is live. Added November 11, 2002 Today’s The New York Times publishes an article about filming in Matera, Italy. The locale and its photogenic history of use in telling Biblical stories, comments from extras, and a comment about Mr Caviezel’s living arrangements make for worthwhile reading. Note  Free registration is required to read The New York Times on the Web. Added November 12, 2002 A little light reading about the Aramaic language. Francesco, who updates his site daily with filming news, writes this about Mr Caviezel: that during filming, Mr Caviezel appears to be completely absorbed in the character of Jesus, looking sad, pensive and being silent. Apparently he spends off-camera, in-costume time with a local priest and draws on his deep spirituality to help him tell this powerful story. Finally, an interview with Mr Caviezel that you can find in today’s print edition of the Canadian national newspaper, The Globe and Mail. We encourage you to pick up the weekend edition of the newspaper, because the story photos show Mr Caviezel as the character Jesus in the early hours of the film’s story. Added December 30, 2002 A journalist visited the filming site and wrote his impressions for Die Welt. Mr Caviezel is mentioned by his relatively early rising time—relative to the rising time for the rest of the cast. Note  Should you need it, a trusty electronic translator. Added January 15, 2003 Apparently Mr Gibson is taking some heat for pursuing this project. During the O’Reilly interview, in response to the question about shooting this film in the chosen languages, Mr Gibson replied, “Well, the point is that I think you can transcend language with the message through image. And I’m very happy with what we’re getting”. Added January 20, 2003 Watch for the January 27, 2003 issue of Time Magazine, where you’ll find this article about Mel Gibson’s committment to telling the story of The Passion. Added January 21, 2003 You can also find CNN’s version of this story, in which Mr Caviezel is quoted as saying: “There’s an immense amount of suffering on this. Fortunately, God is helping me”. CNN reports that “...[Mr Caviezel] spent 15 days on the cross during shooting and was scourged so realistically that he dislocated a shoulder at one point”. Added January 26, 2003, thanks to JH A kind reader from the United Kingdom passes along this pointer to an article from the New York Daily News. It offers this film in a very positive light, with truths about Mr Caviezel that you will enjoy reading. If you live in the area, you might want to pick up a physical copy. Also, the actor coordinator working on “The Passion” reports that the actors are learning their lines phonetically, which is the most difficult way actors can memorize dialog. He also reports that each day’s shoot begins with a Latin Mass. Added February 18, 2003, updated February 26, 2003 and March 9, 2003 This latest update summarizes the Italian Chi magazine particulars. As of the 26th of February, thanks to BG, a very kind Italian friend of the site, you can find the particulars about the magazine on our In Print page. As soon as we can, we will post a complete translation, since this magazine is not available electronically in any language. Finally, because the Mel Gibson site is no longer available, kind reader, we must ask you to wait for any kind of translation until we can complete ours. Also note that you can find a small photo of Mr Caviezel with Mel Gibson on the set of ‘Passion’ in this week’s People magazine, dated March 3, 2003. Added February 26, 2003, thanks to J and to all who sent it in An informative article from BPNews. Added March 1, 2003 We found an article in Portuguese, that we believe you will enjoy reading. For those who prefer to read it in English, this is the Google.com translation of the same piece. Added March 7, 2003 Several updates today, specifically: Filming may wrap up in Rome by the end of March The Mel Gibson News site we have linked to since October is no longer available Sunday’s The New York Times, maybe the Sunday Magazine (?) is running a story about “The Passion”, so if you live in an area where you can find the newspaper, pick up a copy. Often around the New York City metropolitan area, the Sunday Magazine is available a day or two early with the weekend edition. Added March 8, 2003 thanks to DE Here is a Wall Street Journal article about ‘Passion’ that also mentions Mr Caviezel quite favourably. This link is from the online version of the Journal. We are in the process of confirming that it is also available in their print edition, and under exactly which date. Check back for details if you can’t get to your own local newsstand to discover the scoop for yourself. Added March 9, 2003 If you want copies of the two major American newspapers that published articles on ‘Passion’—The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, here are the details: The Wall Street Journal issue you want is dated March 7, 2003, and you can find the article in the Weekend section, the Taste column The New York Times issue you want is dated March 9, 2003. You can find the article you want to read in the weekend magazine The Journal’s piece reflects the author’s visit to the set and does mention the film in a favourable light. But the Times’s piece reflects this journalists visit with Mel Gibson’s father and concentrates on Mel Gibson’s firm attachment to more conventional Catholic ways. ‘Passion’ then, is buried in that context, as opposed to the article being a story about the film. Added March 15, 2003 Here is an Australian media piece about “The Passion” that makes some interesting observations about the project. Added March 16, 2003 thanks to EI The National Catholic Register carries a cogent and earnest article written by a journalist who visited the set. He speaks of some of the tiny miracle-like events that happen there. This week, the story is front page news. Over time we’ll update the link so you can always find the story whenever you visit with us. Added March 17, 2003 thanks to MN We understand you can find an article about ‘Passion’ in the March 24, 2003 issue of People magazine. The online site lists it as “Spirit: Mel Gibson takes on a risky venture: a film about Christ’s death”. Except for a small graphic photo of Mr Caviezel on the cross, he is not mentioned. Added March 19, 2003 thanks to BG If you’ve kept up with our regular postings, you too have read about the spirituality that filled this movie set. Also you’ve read about the extraordinary kindnesses that strangers have shown to each other. Here then, we are pleased to publish a first-person account written by an extra, as a sample of just one of the tiny miracle-like events that occurred during shooting. Added October 13, 2003 thanks to EI and V Rumours have been flying about lightening strikes on the set of this film. We offer a version from Variety published last week. Added April 9, 2004 Since the film was partially shot in Matera, Italy, the British paper, The Guardian, reports the boom in tourist interest in the locale. Added September 1, 2004 Mr Caviezel discusses his involvement and full participation with this film, upon release of the DVD. [ top ]   Pre-release Tidbits In an interview, Monica Bellucci, who plays the character Mary Magdalene, speaks to the canard drifting around this movie. Mostly we added this link, because it lists April 2004 as the tentative month for release. Added June 13, 2002 The secular buzz around this film, clearly a natural fallout of its subject matter, is not our focus. We agree with Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver who counseled Catholics to keep an open mind. “If Mr. Gibson has produced an offensive film, it will fail and should fail”, Archbishop Chaput said. “But the opposite is also true: If he has produced a good film, a film of beauty and power and faith, then it deserves a chance to succeed without being cut to pieces before it even opens”. Archbishop Chaput made the comments in a May 28 column in the Denver Catholic Register, his archdiocesan newspaper. Added June 15, 2003 thanks to PME A friend of ReelCaviezel writes to report parts of a conversation she had with Mr Caviezel in May about “The Passion”. Added July 1, 2003 According to Mr Gibson in an apparent change of heart, subtitles may be in for this film, according to several sources. Added July 2, 2003, updated July 7, 2003 Hmmm. We don’t quite know that to make of this: subtitles or no? We may just need to wait and see for ourselves. Apparently a group in Colorado saw the film. We posted this news on CaviezelTalk whilst on our travels, and now want to add the link to this page. Also several friends sent us notes about the trailer being previewed in Atlanta, notably HS, W619 and JD, our friend from Malta. The CaviezelTalk posting by HS on June 26 (#3193) contains a full account by one who attended. If you have not already joined the CaviezelTalk group, we find it to be a nice group and recommend that you give it a try. Added July 5, 2003, thanks to GW And now, a heartfelt review of the unfinished film seen at a private screening room at Icon Productions. Added July 13, 2003, thanks to EI Finally, a chance to see the trailer. Added August 2, 2003 Our committment to stay out of the fray notwithstanding, please note that today’s National Edition of The New York Times carries a front-page article about this film. If you can pick up a copy, you’ll see that it is illustrated by a new black-and-white photo of Mr Caviezel as Jesus, which is shown online in colour. Added August 4, 2003 Another Times article, this from Frank Rich. (The best line is the punch line.) Note  Free registration is required to view the online edition of the Times We remain convinced that seeing this film will be a personal experience that people worldwide will seek out to view and internalize for themselves, undeterred by pundits’ praise or machinations. [ed.] Added August 21, 2003 And now a note about the music to be used in the film. Added September 13, 2003 Because we concentrate on film as a storytelling medium, we’re always interested in the history of a story that makes it to film. Peter J. Boyer, a staff writer for The New Yorker reports in the September 15, 2003 edition of the magazine, the background about ‘Passion’ and about Gibson’s motivation to tell this story. Boyer puts much of the controversy into a perspective that, we believe, effectively resets all the counters to zero. As we’ve written before, this film deserves its time in the world, so that every person who sees it can decide for himself or herself about its effect. For people who simply ‘go to the movies’, taking the time to read Boyer’s account will prove enlightening, not only about this film, but generally about telling stories on film. [ed.] Added October 15, 2003 thanks to Kyra Mairead Gorski Ms Gorski attended the Basilica Eucharistic Prayer Vigil on October 13, 2003 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC, and saw the preview for 'Passion' and listened to Jim Caviezel speak. She shares her experience with us. Also note that we are in the process of conforming our site to reflect the new title, “The Passion of The Christ”. Added October 30, 2003 According to Movies.com and others, looks like the dust has settled around the North American distribution scheme between Icon Productions and Newmarket for this film, currently scheduled for an Ash Wednesday release in the US, February 24, 2004. Icon retained distribution rights for UK, Australia and New Zealand, with so far no announced release dates in those geographies. Updated December 1, 2003, previously posted on our ‘What’s New’ page In addition, Variety reported on the 21st that Gibson had taken ‘Passion’ to Newmarket; and SunSpot.net, Maryland’s online community reports today that Gibson will distribute the film through his Icon Productions with with assistance from Newmarket to ship prints and collect money from theatres. In his comments to Catholic Daughters of America, Denver’s Archbishop Chaput says of Mr Caviezel’s performance: “I think one reason men remember ‘The Passion of Christ’ is because Jim Caviezel—who gives just an astonishing performance—shows us Jesus as someone who is absolutely real, both in the divinity of his person, and in the humanity of his nature, friendships and suffering. And that manliness of Jesus, that heroism, is something men can respect and love and want to follow.” Added December 1, 2003 With all the commotion around this film, which as you know dear reader, we choose to ignore, the recent New York Post coverage of a private viewing by five selected patrons did offer this tidbit about Mr Caviezel’s work in the film. Lou Lumenick, the Post’s film critic wrote: “Gibson also seems to have made an inspired choice in his Jesus, the magnetic Jim Caviezel.” Billy Graham screened ‘Passion’ together with Mr and Mrs Caviezel among others. The referenced article [no longer available] also indicates a release date of Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2004. Added December 3, 2003 News for our friends in Roma: ScreenDaily reports that Rome-based Eagle Pictures is expected to launch ‘Passion’ around Easter 2004, presumably in Italy. Added December 9, 2003 Two items today: first, that you can purchase advance tickets to see this film, thanks to a toll-free ticket hotline service arranged by Icon Productions—according to a message from the publishers of www.passion-movie.com. For those in the United States and Canada, the number is 888.227.1152. Please send us a note and tell us about your experience buying advance tickets. Second news from Zenit News Agency that offers the World as Seen From Rome. This interview speaks solidly to the ability to tell a story on film, especially this story with these storytellers and their director. Added December 18, 2003, updated January 23, 2004 Thanks to our friends at TCR News, we learn that after viewing an authorized copy of ‘The Passion’ an ex-actor, the Pope, commented “It is as it was”. Update  Try as we might, we can’t seem to avoid the controversy swirling around this film. The Vatican confirms that the Pope indeed viewed the film. More than that is not certain. Added December 19, 2003 We understand from Britain’s Screen Daily, that Budapest Film has secured the [distribution] rights to ‘Passion’, with the note that it leads their 2004 slate. As more details become available, we will publish them. Added December 23, 2003 From the SunHarold.com, we can learn more about Mr Gibson’s journey toward telling this story a reality on film. Added January 10, 2004 When you go to the film house this weekend, you may be able to see a full-on preview of ‘Passion’: we understand that the Lowes theatres in America are showing it before the features start. The preview played in our theatre in advance of another Newmarket-distributed film. Also note that on Thursday, January 15, the American television programme Entertainment Tonight plans to feature this film as its ‘first look’ feature. Check local listings for times and channel numbers. Added January 14, 2004, thanks to V We understand that plans afoot intend to open ‘Passion’ on 2,000 screens in North America on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2004, the largest opening planned by Newmarket. Plans also appear to defy the normal opening patterns for independent films, by concentrating on geographies where religious affiliation seems stronger than in may in places such as New York City or Los Angeles. Further, Icon’s grassroots distribution of free promotional materials appears to be paying off by generating a-typical demand. On another note, echoing other encouragements, including Mr Caviezel’s, as above, we learn that Keith Vanderlaan, a frequent Gibson collaborator, developed special effects for this film. Vanderlaan was amazed at Mr Caviezel’s endurance, especially during the scenes on the cross. Vanderlaan crafted special bloody prosthetic makeup appliances showing Jesus’s body stripped to the bone, results of the instruments of torture used. Vanderlaan struggled to remain spiritually true to the story while creating special effects that do not look like those used in a horror movie. We trust that knowing in advance that Gibson apparently did everything possible to augment Mr Caviezel’s performance with technology, makes the film—for most of us—a little easier to watch. Added January 31, 2004 Here is an informative perspective introducing the historical details that precede the arrival of ‘Passion’ into filmography based in scripture. Note  Free registration is required to read the online version of The New York Times. Added February 7, 2004 We understand that release dates have been set for Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where ‘Passion’ is scheduled for release on February 25, 2004, the same date as the US release. The film is scheduled to open in the UK and Ireland on March 26, 2004. Added February 6, 2004, moved from ‘What’s New’ February 15, 2004 Looks like Mr Caviezel is in the pits, the racing pits, that is. No stranger to Fast Cars, apparently he agreed to be present for the upcoming Daytona 500. The 2004 Daytona 500 starts at 1:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, February 15, and will be broadcast live on NBC and MRN. Follow the link to learn more about the car with the ‘Passion paint scheme’. On the day of the race, of the paint job, Mr Caviezel is quoted as saying, “...I think this is a very dangerous sport. I’d like a little grace on my car. Just consider it an insurance policy”. Added February 15, 2004, updated February 19, thanks to EI, moved from ‘What’s New’ February 23, 2004 Two upcoming television opportunities Mr Caviezel offers us, to learn more from him about how and why he tells the stories that he does. First (first thanks to Dawn), is the ‘Making of Passion’ to air on the US PAX network on Sunday, February 22. Check local listings for time and channel. Second (thanks to MW) is an early call to watch Jay Leno on the NBC late night line-up, on February 27, with Mr C. noted as a guest. Update  And a pointer to a few clips you can watch about the making of ‘Passion’ from the PAX network. Added February 26, 2004 From a very brief blurb from ScreenDaily.com, we learn that Fox, “...Icon’s studio partner, quietly [took] foreign territories and US DVD rights to Gibson’s smash”. [ top ]   Interviews Added March 20, 2002, thanks to several JGs and SS Listen to Mel Gibson discuss his motivations for making this film in “The World Over” interview. Added April 27, 2003, updated April 30, 2003 thanks to JAD You can watch an archived edition of the Jim Caviezel interview on EWTN. In the lower section of the page, the EWTN Programs keywords box, type Caviezel, then click Submit. In the results page, the most recent interview is dated April 23, 2003. We appreciated Mr Caviezel’s perspective on this project and noted his quiet humility for his part in it. This interview is worth the time it takes, in our view. Added January 25, 2004 Thanks to NewsMax.com, we have a version of the interview Mr Caviezel gave Sean Hannity on Friday the 23rd. Added January 28, 2004 We apologize for taking so long to find this lovely interview that Mr Caviezel gave to Tim Drake at the National Catholic Register. We simply just discovered this electronic version. Added February 6, 2004, thanks to MW and LP Check local listings for channel and time to see Mr Caviezel’s interview about making ‘Passion’, scheduled to play on the 700 Club programme today. Or, click the link and watch it online. Added February 8, 2004, thanks to JAD Watch your mailbox or go to the newsstand and find the February 16, 2004 issue of Newsweek, where you can find at least this interview with Mr Caviezel. Regular visitors may recognize the character on the cover. Added February 10, 2004 In favour of making Internet-accessible details available, here is the Newsweek article that includes several audio files of Mr Caviezel speaking about his work in this film. Be aware as well, that a graphic photo is included of Mr Caviezel, as Jesus on the cross. Added February 14, 2004 Mr Caviezel injects a little humour into all the debate around the film. And he makes his position clear about some of the accusations surrounding the work that he and Mr Gibson created. [registration required] Added February 16, 2004 Mr Caviezel talks about playing the role of Jesus; other actors profiled who have also played the role. Also see access to pix at the bottom of the page. Also access to theatres showing the film by (American) Zip Code. Added February 17, 2004, updated December 2, 2004 From Fox, Mr Caviezel describes his experience of being struck by lightening, and about his commitment to this project. Update  In the Mel Gibson Innovator of the Year review, you can read more about Mr C being struck by lightening. From Baptist Press, Mr Caviezel reveals more about involving his heart in playing the role of Jesus. Added February 22, 2004 From Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a frank interview about making ‘Passion’. Added February 23, 2004 USA Today offers a short, sweet glimpse into Mr Caviezel’s thoughts about playing the role of Jesus. Two great links to Internet-based multimedia. First to Essentialtalk.com for an audio interview [registration required]. Second to the HometownChannel.com, where you can find a trailer, a slideshow and interview clips. Added February 25, 2004 From CNN, an interview and several pointers from their page to other digital material, including the Paula Zahn interview that ran February 24, 2004. And from MSN, another interview with pointers from their page into their database of relevant links. [Note that we posted these interviews on this page because of their focus on ‘The Passion’. You can find other ‘Passion’-related interviews that include details about other films on our “Meet Mr Jim Caviezel” page. ed.] Added February 29, 2004, thanks to MW Dr Robert Schuller interviewed Mr Caviezel on his internationally televised programme, the interview from which is also available digitally (look for Live Life at it’s Best, Part IV). The programme plays this weekend; check local listings for time and channel. Added March 16, 2004, updated thanks to DE and LMG These are Mr Caviezel’s comments after meeting with Pope John Paul II at The Vatican. And a link to the snaps. Added March 23, 2005 Mr Caviezel is quoted by MSNBC in its article about Hollywood and its faith. The quote reads: “‘The Oscars and the praise of men may never come your way, but do not forget that God has rewards that he’ll hand out some day’, said the actor who played Jesus Christ in ‘The Passion,’ Jim Caviezel, at the Epiphany Awards in Febuary.” [ top ]   Sneak Preview Added August 5, 2003, thanks to JAD, updated August 8, thanks to AAfJ For all to see, a sneak preview, introduced by Mel Gibson. Well, that was quick. Harvest.org has removed the sneak; we asked after it, to learn more about their strategy around its use on the Internet. We’ll keep you posted, so you’ll know more when we know more. The sneak was a lovely four-and-a-half minute preview, introduced by Mel Gibson, rumoured to be shown publicly this weekend to a Christian conference in Anaheim, California. Added August 9, 2003, thanks to KFB A kind reader found a site where you may be able to see the featurette sneak preview. We had some technical issues with viewing the low resolution version, but keep trying: you may be able to see it. [ top ]   Reviews Added January 29, 2004, edited January 30, 2004 This review makes several interesting and generously secular points. He praises Mr Caviezel’s work, specifically: “The actor who portrayed Christ, James Caviezel, made a brief appearance after the film concluded, and spoke quietly about his Catholic faith preparing him to make this film, and about the rigors of its production. I have interviewed a lot of actors over the years, and watched hundreds of interviews more of the men and women who play other people, and I have never heard such quiet and sincere intensity come from any of them as came from Caviezel. It will be interesting to watch his career from this film forward, as it deserves to flourish given this performance”. This review is based on a screening during the recent Elevate conference near Dallas, Texas. Added February 26, 2004 The Reverend Dan R. Dick, writes in his review for the Worldwide Faith News Archives: “However, taken on the merits of the film itself and specifically focusing on the portrayal of Jesus by Jim Caviezel, there is little disagreement. Caviezel presents a deeply moving, real, and powerful Jesus—so powerful, in fact, that a whole generation will think of him when they picture Jesus in their mind.” Added March 15, 2004, link updated March 11, 2005 Originally from the Waterloo, Ontario, Canada local press, and made available to Reel Caviezel from the writer, an editorial review we appreciate, because of its perspective. Added March 16, 2004 This review takes on a special aspect of the film: its cinematography. More than a review, it is a how-to article written by Caleb Deschanel, ASC (in an interview). Navigate to the article titled “A Savior’s Pain”. For site visitors who have seen the film, this interview will help you understand how the masters at work so completely involved you visually in the film. [ed.] You can also pick up a copy of American Cinematographer, issue March 2004, Volume 85 number 3. Mr Caviezel as Jesus is on the cover. Added March 23, 2004 From Jamaica, a review that concentrates on the opportunity that viewers have of seeing this movie and appreciating it in ways that make language and dialog secondary. Added April 22, 2004 According to the [London] Evening Standard, Mr Caviezel’s work in this film has earned him a nod as candidate to win Best Male Performance at the 2004 MTV Movie Awards. Added April 26, 2004 Some engaging comments, from an unexpected source, offering a broad, world-view review. Added July 8, 2004, updated July 25 and 26th, August 7, and October 4, 2004 At least one reviewer speculates about the Oscar© buzz around Mr Caviezel’s work in this film, along with other buzz-worthy work from the project’s team. Update  In addition, the New Orleans Times-Picayune looks at the first six months of 2004 for what they call ‘Oscar© minor’ candidates. Their list includes both this movie and Mr Caviezel’s work in it. Update/26  The Garret News source proposes: “The Wall Street Journal suggests the most likely nomination for The Passion could be for James Caviezel as Best Actor. The paper says Caviezel’s portrayal of Jesus has been ‘highly praised’”. Update/7  Several additional mentions of an Oscar nomination for Mr Caviezel’s work in this movie are mentioned as an acknowledgement for the quality of this film. Lists are for Oscar-worthy movies released in the first half of 2004. Also, in Entertainment Weekly, the issue #778 dated August 13, 2004, ‘Passion’ is listed in their lineup of ‘Top 10 Grossers of All Time’ (movies). It ranks between “LOTR: The Return of the King” and “Jurassic Park”. The lineup ranks films by their domestic (US) gross. The ‘Passion’ number is US$370.3 [million]. Update/October 4 With the count up to 25—in one reviewer’s opinion—Mr Caviezel remains listed as an Oscar© contender. As an update to the Oscar© buzz, please note that as of late November 2004, Mr Gibson has stated publicly that he will not ‘spend one cent’ promoting this film for Oscar© consideration. Others, including ReelCaviezel, are glad to know that Mr C will not be appearing in public with gratuitous eye-candy gals, one on each arm, as may be the habit of some Oscar© contenders. Added September 1, 2004 It seems that since the film reviewers spilt all their ink in February for the theatrical release of this film, the pseudo nature of the controversy and reality of this film’s success have become evident. Thus, the DVD reviews are more objective and informative. By success we mean the worldwide box office receipts—some estimates north of US$600 million, and repeated suggestions that Mr Caviezel be given award-level recognition for his performance, together with nominations for cinematography. From a site visitor and able video store worker, we offer this review of the DVD. We offer this review, because it contains all the technical material about the video aspects, audio options and so forth, that one expects from the best video store workers. As well, the review is a good, objective and informative review [ed.]. We offer another review, for people who prefer DVD reviews with a more American-centric slant. Added September 10, 2004 This review concentrates on the experience of watching the film, both in a theatre and on a small screen from the DVD, and says some very nice things about Mr C’s performance. Added October 10, 2004 Diverting somewhat from our usual focus, which regular site visitors know concentrates on Mr C’s work as a storyteller, we found a book that regular visitors to this page may want to explore. “Perspectives on The Passion of the Christ: Religious thinkers and writers explore the issues raised by the controversial movie” is published by Hyperion, an imprint of Miramax Books with the ISBN number of 1-4013-5959-0. It collects 17 pieces with a prologue, and an epilogue (written by Steve Martin), that offers an opportunity to explore and “...understand the cultural lightning rod that is The Passion of The Christ”. Note  You can order your copy from Cinema Books in Seattle, Washington by calling 206.547.7667. [Our first source for all books, cards, calendars, and magazines related to film: please forgive the plug—our site would not be so well informed without the help and support of Cinema Books. ed.] [ top ]   Grace Notes Added June 18, 2004 We understand from the Associated Press that “...Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ is set to be released on DVD August 31 courtesy of 20th Century Fox home video distribution. Even though Fox originally passed on the theatrical distribution of the film, AP asked Steve Feldstein, a spokesman for Fox Home Entertainment, if the movie’s box office success motivated Fox’s interest in the DVD release. ‘We enjoy a strong relationship with Mel Gibson and everybody at [Gibson’s production company] Icon,’ Feldstein replied. Passion is this year’s biggest blockbuster so far, earning a place among the top 10 highest-grossing movies of all time with more than $368 million at the North American box office.” Added May 11, 2004, moved to this page July 10, 2004 We found a magazine article that goes way beyond what readers can usually find to reveal the ‘how-to’ details. Cinefex quarterly publication number 97, April 2004 published Jody Duncan’s article ‘The Passion of the Christ—Passion Play’. There you can read how Mr Gibson directed the special effects and camera work for the brutality of the crucifixion, concentrating those scenes so that they served to tell the story and not to glorify the violence. Added July 30, 2004 Two informative articles from Female First in anticipation of the August 31 release of the DVD: one covers the cast, and the other covers some of the background about the film, including locations, languages and so forth. Added September 1, 2004, We understand that during the first half day that ‘Passion’ was available for sale on DVD, that about 2.4 million copies were sold, with 4.1 million copies being sold for the entire day. A source told CNN that potentially 15 to 18 million copies could be sold. The title has sustained a top slot in most online video shopping baskets for a number of months now, in terms of its popularity. Added October 3, 2004 We understand that Pope John Paul II moved one of Mr Gibson’s inspirations, Katharina Emmerick, closer to sainthood today, among five candidates so honoured today. Added January 10, 2005 We cannot avoid considering all the industry commotion around its awards processes as they relate to this film, any less than a grace note. Given that Mr Gibson announced that he would not campaign for this film for industry recognition during any awards event, the buzz around acknowledging it sounds quite loud. On January 9, 2005, audiences voted ‘The Passion’ its pick for best movie in the drama category of 2004 in the form of the People’s Choice Awards. In accepting the award, Mr Gibson noted that indeed this was the award that he felt honoured the work more than anything the industry could bestow on the project. Media pundits insist on writing about it, thus contributing to the buzz. Added February 15, 2005 Lacking any kind of campaign for Oscar© consideration, this film still picked up three nominations, specifically for Cinematography, Makeup and Original Score. As well, and notably Mr Caviezel picked up the first Best Lead Performance by a Male in the 2004 Smart Popcorn awards. In addition, Mr Gibson has decided to re-release this film in time for the 2005 Easter season, into 500-750 US screens on March 11, 2005. Purportedly, several of the goriest minutes have been cut for this release. This too is the place to acknowledge that during 2004, ‘Passion’ was the third- highest box office grossing film in America. Added March 23, 2005 The Associated Press announced that on March 16, 2005, Mr Gibson received an award for “...favourite film of the year as voted on by USA Today readers in balloting sponsored by the newspaper and the Coca-Cola Company. The honour was presented at ShowWest, a convention of theatre owners.” In his acceptance comments, Mr Gibson thanked Newmarket Films for distributing the movie and essentially standing by him, together with theatre owners, in the face of the ‘...firestorm over its religious overtones....’ Moved from ‘What’s New’ August 11, 2005, originally posted March 23, 2005 Films with the Vatican’s seal include ‘The Passion’. The publisher encourages dialog among viewers, including asking why a director might cast an actor in the role of Jesus. Also moved from ‘What’s New’, originally posted April 3, 2005 In addition, here we can learn more about the spiritual journey through the making of ‘The Passion’, as described by Father John Bartunek in his new book “Inside The Passion”. Also moved from ‘What’s New’, thanks to all who sent it in, including MP The Grace Prize for the Most Inspirational Movie Acting was awarded last night to Mr Caviezel for his work in ‘Passion’, and as expected, the film was awarded the Templeton prize. Also moved from ‘What’s New’, originally posted February 24, 2005 In winning the MovieFone Best Picture in its 10th Annual MovieFone Moviegoer Awards, ‘Passion’ continues to demonstrate its ability to influence. Plus, Mr C still speaks about his experiences making the film–or maybe he came to spend time in the sun soaked Pacific Northwest and to escape the geography-drenching Los Angeles rains. [ top ]   Recut Version Added March 11, 2005 Although the recut version will play without an MPAA rating in US, both British and Irish rating boards have given the film a rating reduced from its rating a year ago. The British certificate was reduced from 18 to 15 and the Irish Film Censors Office gave the film a 15A rating for its opening there on March 18, 2005. The Calgary Sun updates its review of the film and awards the recut version five stars out of five possible stars. Moved from ‘What’s New’ August 11, 2005, originally posted March 7, 2005 Mr C earned the best actor award from Alfa and Omega, the weekly publication of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Spain for his work in ‘Passion’. Moved from ‘What’s New’ August 11, 2005, originally posted March 3, 2005 Icon Productions sent us a new poster for the re-cut version of ‘The Passion’ that we’ve published on a separate page. You can also link to the new round of electronic promotional material when you visit the new site. You will also begin to see the poster advertising the film that opens March 11 in a limited number of theatres in North America. Added March 16, 2005 Here is a list of countries worldwide and their release dates for this version of the film. [ top ]   FAQ Question Where can I find the official site for the re-cut edition? Answer Added March 7, 2005 This is the site for the re-cut version. Question Where can I find the official site for the original film? Answer Added October 30, 2003, thanks to LM, updated December 5, 2003, thanks to JAD, and updated December 11, 2003 There appears to be a site address now, but as of today, it features only a “coming soon” notice. As of December 5, it looks like the home page is finished, and some of the commercial links are operative, but it also appears that there is work to be done before the complete site is fully functional. As of December 11, it looks like the site is fully functional, including an opportunity to register for e-mail updates about the film. Corrected September 27, 2003, thanks to C Added July 27, 2003, thanks to MW, this looks like the official site; choose English or Latin. We encourage you to interact with the site, especially to support bringing the movie to your locale. This site is also available in multiple languages. Correction  What appeared to be the official site is indeed a fan site. Our most intense research has not produced an official site, although we expect that one will be available from Icon Entertainment International when one is launched. Other sites also encourage people to actively lobby for the presentation of this film in local geographies. We can only encourage you to seek out and participate with these sites as your individual interests dictate. And thanks to HS, here is Greg’s Preview page (formerly upcomingmovies). [ top ] Photo copyright STEFANO PALTERA