The film, The Passion of the Christ, now at the Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt, portrays the agonizing final 12 hours of the life of Jesus. It is a strong film - up close and in Jesus' face. We are there for every blow when Roman soldiers savagely beat him. We are also there every step of the way as a bloody but unbowed Christ (played by James Caviezel) drags his cross out of the city and up to the fatal hill. In fact, we are on that dreadful spot for nearly 20 minutes of cinematic time, which can seem a lifetime. We are also close enough to comprehend the horror on his mother Mary's face (played by Maia Morgenstern) and the guilt of the disciples. We understand, too, the power struggles of the rabbis and the antipathy of Pontius Pilate posted to oversee the farthest end of the empire. Though this Mel Gibson spectacular - he directed and produced the movie - has been box office gold in the city, Coast audiences have not been lining up as vigorously. Deb Proby of the Raven's Cry says they have drawn only one eighth of the audience they expected on opening weekend, including only a handful of people at the matinées. Reports of graphic violence and anti-Semitism may have deterred the audience. Indeed, there is violence. Jesus was a victim of jealousy and mob rule. After all, this is a story of a human being who is betrayed, scourged until bleeding, tormented and crucified in slow agony. We're not describing a tea party here. As regards anti-Semitism, neither the Jews nor the Romans are let off lightly for their behaviour. Even the weak-kneed disciples are made to look foolish. At least a few people walk out during every show, says Proby, usually at the bloody whipping scene. Some leave the cinema weeping. Then there are others who don't know the story and just don't get it. It helps to be familiar with the Bible. Not only is the film spoken in the ancient languages of the Jews and in the Latin of Rome (with subtitles) but also much of it is visual, told entirely without words. It was true to the gospels, said one member of the audience who described himself as a backsliding Christian. Two young women who go to church said they had to turn their heads away during the violence but still called it a good film.
"Why couldn't we hear more about his life, not this torture?" asked another young woman.
"Powerful," said one viewer who had come from Pender Harbour with others from Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church especially for the screening. Also in attendance at last Monday's show was the Redeemer's pastor Barclay Mayo who will be holding a discussion evening in his home on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. for anyone wanting to talk more about the film. Call him at 604-883-1371.
The Passion of the Christ is a long film at a little over two hours. It screens Friday through Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. until March 25. Phone 604-886-6843 for details.
