|
 Become
a Member
People
Services
Productions
Message
Boards
Movie
Trailers
Articles
News
Links |
 |
 |
|
"The
Passion" Interesting review Keith A Fournier is a constitutional lawyer and a graduate of the John Paul II Institute of the Lateran University, Franciscan University and the University of Pittsburgh. He holds degrees in Philosophy, theology and law. He has been a champion of religious liberty and appeared as co-counsel in major cases at the United States Supreme Court. He is the author of seven books and, along with his law practice, serves as the president of both the "Your Catholic Voice Foundation" and "Common Good". "I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up
in a Jewish town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence.
I have a life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly
encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions. I arrived
at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in Washington
D.C. and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically Washingtonian,
with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look beyond you,
having an agenda beyond the words. From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced. In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same. When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in Washington, D.C. were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth. One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face. Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelations. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been borne voluntarily for love. At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments were effusive. The questions included the one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be "anti-Semitic?" Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus" I agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way. Those who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind their protestations. This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story ever told and that its message is for all men and women. The greatest right is the right to hear the truth. We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the history of the world. The problem is not the message but those who have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion". It should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about "the Passion." You will be as well. Don't miss it!" 'VeggieTales'
Sold to a 'Wonderful Partner' Links for
this story: New
film about the life of Martin Luther set to hit theaters in September According to RS Entertainment President Randy Slaughter, LUTHER, starring a stellar international cast, will platform wide in 55 markets beginning September 26. Says Slaughter: "This is an extraordinary film about one of the most influential men in history. It's a sweeping biographical drama reminiscent of 'A Man For All Seasons' in which one man's convictions change the course of history, and brand him an enemy of the state. It has a great cast, incredible scope and tremendous production values. We feel we are well positioned to play long into the fall. " Starring Joseph Fiennes ("Shakespeare in Love"), two-time 0scar¨winner Peter Ustinov ("Spartacus," "Topkapi") and Alfred Molina ("Frida"), the historical drama focuses on the life of 16th century reformer Martin Luther. Directed by Eric Till ("Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace") and written by Camille Thomasson and Bart Gavigan, LUTHER is produced by Brigitte Rochow, Christian Stehr and Alexander Thies. Film is executive produced by Dennis Clauss, Kurt Rittig, Gabriela Pfandner, and J. Daniel Nichols. Noted by historians as one of the most influential people in the past 1,000 years, as well as the first "modem man," Martin Luther penned the groundbreaking 95 These (a written attack on the corruption of the Church in the 16th century), which is widely regarded as having set off the Reformation. Subsequently, after confronting and defying the Church's authority, and thus the law of the land, Luther lived as an outlaw, with a bounty placed on his head by the papacy. Support for his ideas was so widespread throughout Europe that he was regarded as one of the most dangerous men of his time. The movie was shot on over 100 sets, in 20 locations throughout Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic and features the extraordinary work of celebrated cinematographer Robert Fraisse ("Seven Years in Tibet") and Academy Award winning set designer Rolf Zehetbauer ("Cabaret"). Links to
this story: Mel
Gibson's Film 'Theologically Accurate' Links to
this story: Hollywood
Christians Issue Casting Call Links for
this story: STERLING
World Premiere A Success! Links for
this story: Christian
Network Showcases 'Reality TV with a Purpose' Links for
this story: Hit
Movie Generates Divine Interruption Links for
this story: STERLING
World Premiere Scheduled for June Links for
this story: Christian
Singer Defends 'Raucous' Film Links for
this story: Hallmark
Channel Releases "The Jesus Experience" Links for
this story: Mel
Gibson is Star 'Catholic Traditionalist' Links for
this story: "Gods
And Generals" Portrays Strong Faith On Both Sides of War Links
for this story: Regent
University issues "artistic guidelines" for student films after
Robertson walkout Links
for this story: Nigeria
arrests man for selling Christian apocalyptic film Links
for this story: Christian
Western "The Legend Of Jake Kincaid" Now Available Links
for this story: Mel
Gibson under attack for Jesus film? Links
for this story: Heston
Returns in the New Animation "Ben Hur" Links
for this story: Coming
to FaithTV: "One Day in May" Links
for this story:
|
EDITOR'S
NOTE: This is an article that was forwarded to me in an email. I thought
it was very interesting and wanted to share it with our members. Keith
A Fournier is not associated with FaithFilm.com