Graphic film about crucifixion moves Graham to tears

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Rev. Billy Graham wept while watching Mel Gibson’s yet-to-be-released film “The Passion of Christ.”

“I have often wondered what it must have been like to be a bystander during those last hours before Jesus’ death,” the evangelist said after watching a private screening of the movie. “I feel as if I have actually been there. I was moved to tears.”

Graham said there probably has never been “a more graphic and moving presentation of Jesus’ death and resurrection.”

He saw the film a month ago at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Gibson made a special trip there to show Graham the film. The screening for Graham was one of several that Gibson has held for religious leaders.

Gibson, who is Roman Catholic, and Graham, a Southern Baptist, met before and after the screening to discuss Gibson’s decade-long spiritual journey, which inspired him to portray a message of love and forgiveness, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Actor James Caviezel, who portrays Jesus in the film, also attended the screening.

The film, which Gibson co-wrote and directed, describes the final hours before Christ’s crucifixion. The dialogue is in Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic, with English subtitles. Gibson spent a reported $30 million of his own money to produce “The Passion of Christ.”

The film includes scenes of Jesus’ raw pain and torment. Those who worked on the film researched crucifixions and devised ways to depict wounds, scars, ribs protruding from Jesus’ chest, and nails being driven into His hands.

The film has generated complaints from some Jewish leaders, who say it suggests that Jews were responsible for Christ’s death. After seeing the film, however, Graham said it is “faithful to the Bible’s teaching that we are all responsible for Jesus’ death, because we have all sinned. It is our sins that caused His death, not any particular group.”

Gibson has staunchly defended the film, saying the graphic elements are meant to show “the extent of the sacrifice willingly taken by Jesus—the price He paid—” as realistically as possible.

It is meant to “inspire, not offend,” he said. “My intention in bringing it to the screen is to create a lasting work of art and engender serious thought among audiences of diverse faith backgrounds (or none) who have varying familiarity with this story.”

Graham said the film changed his life.

“No one who views this film’s compelling imagery will ever be the same,” he said.

The evangelist also said he was impressed with Caviezel’s sincerity and commitment to the gospel. Caviezel separated his left shoulder while making the movie, and was in pain, but was patient during the filming, Gibson said.

“The Passion of Christ” also stars Monica Bellucci (“The Matrix Reloaded”) as Mary Magdalene and Romanian actress Maia Morgenstern as the Virgin Mary.

It is set to open in theaters on Feb. 25—Ash Wednesday on the Christian calendar. It secured a distributor, New York-based Newmarket Films, in October.

Graham said he believes releasing the film at the beginning of Lent, a time when Christians reflect on Christ’s sacrifice before celebrating His resurrection on Easter Sunday, will add to its impact on mainstream audiences.

Religion Journal News

Published by Keener Communications Group, January 2004

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