The Passion: Photography from the Movie "The Passion of the Christ"
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Nice Book, but More Useful BEFORE the DVD Release!
  • A Collection of Torture Photos?
  • Wonderfully done!
  • Spectacular Imagery
  • Where are the memorable images?
The Passion: Photography from the Movie "The Passion of the Christ"
Ken Duncan
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0842373624

Book Description

The Passion is a visual portrayal of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus. Gripping photos taken on the set of Mel Gibson's new film, The Passion of Christ, together with the biblical narratives in the New Living Translation, present the story in vivid detail. A sweeping presentation of the Passion story in powerful images that will enhance the movie experience!

"This is a movie about love, hope, faith, and forgiveness. He [Jesus] died for all mankind, suffered for all of us. It's time to get back to that basic message. The world has gone nuts. We could all use a little more love, faith, hope, and forgiveness." --Mel Gibson, Icon Productions

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Nice Book, but More Useful BEFORE the DVD Release!.......2007-02-27

THE PASSION: PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE MOVIE is a nice souvenir book, but now that the DVD is available, you don't really need this book.

When THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST was still in theaters in its original run, I bought several copies of this book, to give to family members. At that time it was very helpful and people were very curious to look through the book, due to all of the news and publicity, whether or not they had seen the film.

Since then, now that THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST has been out on DVD, this book is more for the biggest fans of the film only, since you might as well watch the DVD, instead of look at most of these photos.

Most of the photos do NOT seem to show too much that isn't already in the film. Most of the pages have one small color photo and very minimal text, usually Bible verse quotes. Most photos could use further explanation if someone was not familiar with the Bible story, or had not yet seen the film. There is a VERY SHORT section of SMALL b/w photos at the end of the book that show some production shots that you won't see in the film. Most of the color photos throughout the book look pretty much like what you see onscreen during the movie.

It's a very nice book, but it was a lot more unique BEFORE the DVD came out.

Instead of this book, I would recommend that you first buy the DVD version of the film, especially THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST: DEFINITIVE EDITION, which has both the original full length film and the RECUT version from a year later (5 minutes shorter). (Don't be confused by its poor DVD back cover description which only mentions the RECUT version! The DEFINITIVE EDITION has BOTH versions!) The DEFINITIVE EDITION also has about 140 minutes of Making Of, documentary footage, and 3 different commentary tracks (2 with Mel Gibson), so THE DEFINITIVE EDITION on DVD is the way to go, for about the same price as this book!

1 out of 5 stars A Collection of Torture Photos?.......2005-04-10

Mel Gibson's pornographic depiction of violence, blood, and torn flesh is not for me. It's disgusting and disturbed. There are more respectable and watchable movies made about Jesus and the Bible. The Passion is sheer torture from a gore-obsessed mind.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderfully done!.......2005-02-13

Wonderfully done, like the movie! The pictures are just as touching as the film. The book touches on the most important scenes, the relationship between Jesus and Mary and the suffering He went through in the end. It doesn't fail to point out that Jesus rose from the dead also. This book clearly communicates the purpose of Jesus dying for us and that He is God. It has brought me closer to the Lord and I'm sure has had the same effect on other people. It's also a great way to introduce Mel Gibson's film to friends.

5 out of 5 stars Spectacular Imagery .......2005-02-02

This book captures some of the breathtaking images from the movie "The Passion." Combined with relevant scriptures, both from the gospel and Old Testament prophecies of Christ, the images allow one to really meditate on the suffering of Christ, each step of the way.

The pictures follow his ordeal that began in the garden, as he prays to the Father. Each step is captured in a stunning picture or two. That ends with his death on the cross and then a visual image indicating his resurrection. This is akin to a visual tool to follow the stations of the cross and allow their significance to sink in. In that way, this book becomes interactive as a prayer and devotional tool.

There are also some pictures of the filming of the movie that provide a glimpse of Mel Gibson and the actors setting the stage for the movie.

I think this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciated the movie The Passion or for anyone who is a Christian but was not willing to endure watching the suffering of Christ in the movie. Although I strongly recommend the movie and the book, the book offers a more bearable way to see what he endured and to appreciate his sacrifice for those who avoided the movie.

2 out of 5 stars Where are the memorable images?.......2005-01-07

OK. If you're going to create a pictorial accompaniment to a controversial movie, AT LEAST PUT IN THE BEST PICTURES!!!

"The Passion of the Christ" intersperses stills from the movie with snippets from the passion section of the gospels. But whatever its value as a devotional or meditative aid, it is missing nearly all of the over-the-top images from the movie. There's no snake in Gethsemane; no clear image of Satan; no Jesus hanging off the bridge; no demon children hounding Judas; none of the nastiest scourging scenes; no long stairway to ascend with the cross; no shroud image on Veronica's cloth; no flipping Jesus on his face; no shoulder dislocation; no eye-piercing crow.

Virtually none of the images that stayed with me from the movie are included. I wonder why not? Were these scenes too gruesome when transferred to the printed page? Or were they rendered silly when they could be studied at leisure? I can't figure out Mel Gibson for adding these gruesome scenes to the film. I understand less why he left them out of the book. Weird.
Inside the Passion: An Insider's Look at the Passion of the Christ
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Compelling analysis of event and film
  • Get this one
  • Explanation of the Passion for everyone
  • A Great Book!
  • Intimate with Christ and Mel
Inside the Passion: An Insider's Look at the Passion of the Christ
John Bartunek
Manufacturer: Ascension Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1932645772
Release Date: 2005-02-10

Book Description

Deepen your journey into the unforgettable film, The Passion of The Christ. In this authorized, behind-the-scenes look at the movie, Fr. John Bartunek, L.C., provides biblical, historical, and theological insights gleaned from hours spent on the set and interviews with the director, actors, and filmmaking crew. Inside the Passion is the most complete and thorough commentary on the movie you will read.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Compelling analysis of event and film.......2006-04-12

I saw Fr. John Bartunek (the author) give a presentation on The Passion of Christ (event and film) last night to a surprisingly packed (who knew so many people would show up on a Tuesday night to discuss a two-year old film?) university campus church auditorium of over 500 people (students and community members). His presentation, like his book, gives a fascinating and compelling account of the theology and symbolism that went into the making of Mel Gibson's film. The presentation was electrifying; the book is no less moving and thought-provoking. For example, there's a very short scene in the film when, in the midst of the horrific flogging of Christ, the camera turns to what appears to be a shot of a young mother with her infant child in the crowd. As the camera moves in on them, however, we find that the woman is not beautiful, but very odd and sinister, and the baby almost inhuman, as we see when it turns its head to give the viewer an evil smile. The symbolism: The woman represents the devil and the child his handiwork. Gibson takes an iconoclastic image of Beauty (Madonna and Child) and turns it into Evil (devil and inhuman offspring). The point:
Evil is not immediately identifiable as starkly evil; rather, evil is simply beauty that has become distorted and false. It tempts us into thinking it is one thing, when in fact it is quite something else. The significance, twofold: to illustrate the devil's role in the suffering and death of Christ and, perhaps more importantly, to show that when Christ is at his weakest (including in modern society), the devil gains a foothold. Interesting tidbit: Gibson used a beautiful actress as the devil, had her head and eyebrows shaved, and used makeup to turn her into something very un-beautiful. And this was only one 20-second scene! The examples go on and on. As a liberal-minded Catholic unhappy with the "culture wars" surrounding so many issues today, I was pleased to see that this film had no agenda other than to relate the Gospel story with the major theme being Christ's love for all humanity, including not only us simple sinners but also those who beat, mock, and kill him, in various ways. It's an invigorating story and makes the book well worth reading.

5 out of 5 stars Get this one.......2005-10-16

Inside the Passion is a behind the scenes peek at how the movie was made. It explains why certain things were shown and is surprisingly useful as a meditation tool.

A lot of folks flipped out because they thought the scourging and crucifixion scenes were too strong. The book explains why Mel Gibson and his team decided that they were not going to sanitize the Passion the way other movies had in the past.

Some folks nitpicked becuase Gibson and the team decided to have Jesus speak Latin to Pilate but the book shows that they made this decision for pretty sensible reasons: 1. The Romans had been in Palestine for 40 years. In Gallilee, which was heavily gentile by that time, a smart person must have been roughly familiar with Latin if for no other reason than that it was important to know how high to jump when a Roman soldier demanded that you do so. 2. Jesus was God. He could've spoken in any language He chose when He decided to speak to Pilate's ignorance.

Finally, the great strength of this book is that it so closely follows the movie step by step that even if you never saw the film after reading the book you will understand it. This is an excellent work and I plan to buy more copies as gifts.

5 out of 5 stars Explanation of the Passion for everyone .......2005-09-06

This book is written so clearly that almost anyone should have no trouble understanding the way Father John Bartunek, a Legionary of Christ (Roman Catholic Religious Order), clarifies the different aspects of Christ's Passion as is portrayed by Mel Gibson in his movie. Father John spent time on the set, watching as Mel filmed this great epic and has not only interesting insights into the filming of the movie, but also clarifies the main points, as well as details of the entire Passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. The movie is well worth rewatching ... as you read Inside the Passion and you will see it in a new light every time. Our Lord's Passion speaks to each of us individually, touching our hearts anew and calling us to a real Love, that comes from Christ Himself. This is a great book and a great gift for anyone at any stage in their faith.

5 out of 5 stars A Great Book!.......2005-07-20

This book is actual written by John Bartunek. He is a priest with wonderful insites. He speant a great deal of time on the set when it was being filmed and during the editing. This is a great companion to the movie.
I Loved this book so much I bought a copy for my mother and myself as well- and I will probably being buying them for a few people I know this year (just before) Easter.
I Hope that he writes more books in the future.

5 out of 5 stars Intimate with Christ and Mel.......2005-07-11

I bought this book for my Dad, but opened it up last night and couldn't put it down. The book is only 186 pages, but it's not a quick read. It makes you think. It brings up insights I never thought about, Mel Gibson's 12 years of meditating on Christ's Passion have born a lot of fruits. Read it for yourself.
Gay Fandom and Crossover Stardom: James Dean, Mel Gibson, and Keanu Reeves
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Gay Fandom and Crossover Stardom: James Dean, Mel Gibson, and Keanu Reeves
    Michael DeAngelis , and Michael DeAngelis
    Manufacturer: Duke University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0822327384

    Book Description

    Why and how does the appeal of certain male Hollywood stars cross over from straight to gay audiences? Do stars lose their cachet with straight audiences when they cross over? In Gay Fandom and Crossover Stardom Michael DeAngelis responds to these questions with a provocative analysis of three famous actors—James Dean, Mel Gibson, and Keanu Reeves. In the process, he traces a fifty-year history of audience reception that moves gay male fandom far beyond the realm of “camp” to places where culturally unauthorized fantasies are nurtured, developed, and shared.
    DeAngelis examines a variety of cultural documents, including studio publicity and promotional campaigns, star biographies, scandal magazines, and film reviews, as well as gay political and fan literature that ranges from the closeted pages of One and Mattachine Review in the 1950s to the very “out” dish columns, listserv postings, and on-line star fantasy narratives of the past decade. At the heart of this close historical study are treatments of particular film narratives, including East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, The Road Warrior, Lethal Weapon, My Own Private Idaho, and Speed. Using theories of fantasy and melodrama, Gay Fandom and Crossover Stardom demonstrates how studios, agents, and even stars themselves often actively facilitate an audience’s strategic blurring of the already tenuous distinction between the heterosexual mainstream and the gay margins of American popular culture.
    In addition to fans of James Dean, Mel Gibson, and Keanu Reeves, those interested in film history, cultural studies, popular culture, queer theory, gender studies, sociology, psychoanalytic theory, melodrama, fantasy, and fandom will enjoy this book.
    Mel Gibson's Passion and Philosophy: The Cross, the Questions, the Controversy
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • An Interesting Collection of Essays.
    • A Matter of Time
    • Painless Way to Learn Philosophy
    • Helps dull the extremism...
    Mel Gibson's Passion and Philosophy: The Cross, the Questions, the Controversy
    Jorge J. E. Gracia
    Manufacturer: Open Court
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0812695712

    Book Description

    The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson's spectacular film about the death of Jesus, has quickly become one of the most widely-viewed movies of all time—and one of the most fiercely vilified. It is more loved and simultaneously more loathed than any previous work of cinematographic art.

    Some maintain that this film has brought them to a new faith in Christ or a deeper understanding of the faith they already had. Others criticize the work for its supposedly gratuitous gore, alleged historical inaccuracy, or its debatable theological assumptions.

    In Mel Gibson's Passion and Philosophy, twenty philosophers with widely varying religious and philosophical backgrounds examine all the most important issues raised by the movie, without ridicule or rancor. How can we decide what God intended to tell us? Why do Christians and Jews apparently report seeing two very different Mel Gibson movies? Was Christ a pacifist? Does the film truly follow the gospels? How can we blame Judas for doing what God wanted him to do? Did George Hegel answer Mel Gibson 200 years ahead of time?

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars An Interesting Collection of Essays........2006-05-12

    _Mel Gibson's Passion and Philosophy: The Cross, the Questions, the Controversy_ in the Popular Culture and Philosophy series, edited by Jorge J. E. Gracia, is a relatively interesting collection of essays detailing the responses of various philosophers to the movie. Mel Gibson's movie _The Passion of the Christ_ recounts the last days of Jesus Christ before his death and resurrection, detailing on the screen his passion, torture, and Crucifixion. The movie has been all-too-predictably criticized by atheists and secularists of all sorts as a "tool in the hands of the religious right" and as "anti-Semitic". On the other hand, some Christians have joined in this criticism claiming that the movie is too violent and distorts the true message of Christ. Gibson, a devout Roman Catholic, bases his movie on the Gospel accounts of Christ's suffering and death and upon the visions of the Roman Catholic seeress Anne Catherine Emmerich. These essays attempt to deal with some of the issues surrounding the movie and offer up philosophical thoughts on various aspects of the Christian revelation and on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. My only complaint is that so few of them are actually written by Catholic scholars and that some are written by those with no obvious relation to the movie or Christianity in particular other than as chronic bashers. The essays presented in this book touch on the following themes: did Christ have to suffer violently, is the movie anti-Semitic, what is the truth (a detailing of Pilate's question put to Christ), why was Christ killed, and who is morally responsible. Mention is made of many different philosophers and philosophical schools of thought throughout. Each essayist seems to be coming from a unique point of view which can be both refreshing and frustrating at the same time. As someone who found hope in the movie, I was encouraged by reading many of these essays into reflective thought; however, some of them I found to be particularly odious. That said, I would hesitantly recommend this book for those looking to reflect deeper on the mysteries of Christ and his Crucifixion in a philosophical manner. However, ultimately it is probably better to turn to the source material itself, the Bible and the writings of the saints.

    5 out of 5 stars A Matter of Time.......2005-09-15

    With a movie as controversial as The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition),it was just a matter of time before Open Court's "Popular Culture and Philosophy" series got their hands on it. As with public opinion about the movie, the opinions within the book are likewise mixed, though with a more thoughtful response.

    The book itself deals with the movie in 20 essays in 5 sections. They deal with everything from the alledged anti-semitism, the violence, Christ's suffering and so on. The contributors come from a variety of backgrounds, including theologians and philosophers from various stances. With such a good mix, the views presented are as wide and varied, while maintaining a consistently high level of thought and expression.

    The book goes some way to make the shock of the film itself more understandable and somewhat less of a brutalisation of the senses. Putting the excessive gore and blood of the movie into a wider philosophical context is an important function of the book.

    As per usual, I have thoroughly enjoyed this installment from the "Popular Culture and Philosophy" series. Once again, a big thumbs up to this volume. It is very good and recommeded to people from all walks of life.

    5 out of 5 stars Painless Way to Learn Philosophy.......2005-01-16

    This series of books, popular culture and philosophy is fantastic. It seems that any popular movie, or TV series immediately generates a backlash. Two recent examples include the Harry Potter books and movies, and Me. Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. In the case of Harry Potter, fundamentalist Christians have lamented that the books are teaching witchcraft. In Passion, the movie is being charged as being anti-Semite.

    In this series of books, prominent philosophers are being asked to comment on these charges and on the story contained in the movie. In contrast to the shrill, loud, emotionally loaded comments being made primarily to get attention to the commenter, here are thoughtful, reasoned essays that challenge the reader to think about and decide for himself about these charges.

    These books make for absolutely delightful reading. It is a way to bring philosophy to the public in connection with a story that is familiar to a broad range of people.

    4 out of 5 stars Helps dull the extremism..........2004-12-07

    Mel Gibson's depiction of Christ's Passion has stirred a vertiginous array of reactions. Some lovingly praise the movie's moving depiction of Jesus' gift to humanity while others condemn it as a perversion of Christianity, a racist diatribe, or a form of [...]. Not only that, the film's influence, ubiquity, and controversy seem to preclude any rational discussion amongst its supporters and detractors. Film reviews supply the most salient evidence of this. Neutral or middle of the road reviews rarely appear, and most reviews get crammed with overbearing for or against hyperboles. This book, intended for the general reader, attempts to remedy this seemingly hopeless situation. It brings together the viewpoints of Christians (Roman Catholics, Evangelicals and Protestants), Jews, Mormons, and even Atheists into one non-inflammatory volume. It succeeds greatly in this task. The book does not sell or indoctrinate one viewpoint on Gibson's film. Nor does it ever try to impose on the reader a "correct" stance. Each of its 20 essays of course has a specific point of view on the film and the issues it raises, but the book as a whole is balanced. Some essays read like theology, others like Cultural Theory, even others like philosophy. A virtual salad of styles awaits.

    The topics covered by the book are as diverse as the authors. Five main sections divide the essays. The first deals with the horrific violence portrayed in the film; the second with charges of anti-semitism; the third with the film's accuracy to scripture; the fourth with the "why?" of the passion; the fifth with ethical questions surrounding the Passion. Each section presents level headed for and against positions on the issues. Some of the issues discussed include: Is the violence justified? How does the movie deal with atonement? Does the movie distort Jesus and scripture? What motivated the making of the movie? How do Christians and Jews view the film differently? Can we forgive Judas, and if so, how? What influences did Gibson draw from in making the movie? Did Christ receive due process? What can the Passion teach us about our own mortality? How are women depicted in the film? How do Christ's and Socrates' deaths appear similar or different? Is the Passion anti-semitic? Could Jesus have chosen differently? What theory of nonviolence did Jesus subscribe to? The book also elucidates some of the devices and Biblical references Gibson utilized to make his point (and just what his point was gets debated throughout the book). Those who have seen the movie and are not familiar with scripture will learn a lot. Those seeking elucidation of the principles of Christianity portrayed in the film will also learn much. Open minded readers of any bend will likely finish the book with their extreme viewpoints dulled somewhat. The book simply does a great job of presenting the good arguments on all sides. If the book does have a unifying message it's that "I'm right, you're wrong" is not the best attitude to take towards this film. The book won't make one love the film if one hates it or hate the film if one loves it, but it will make one think more deeply about the issues it raises.

    Along the way, many big names and concepts get introduced. Some are theological, some philosophical, some ethical. Apart from the obvious Biblical names that appear, many other big names appear, such as Aristotle, Plato, Nietzsche, Boethius, Augustine, Hegel, Aquinas, Heidegger, Socrates, C.S. Lewis, Buber, Tolkien, Elaine Pagels, and even Dan "The Da Vinci Code" Brown. Probably the best time to read this book is after seeing the movie at least once and before viewing it again. This book will open up new interpretations and perspectives on the movie whether it inspires or repulses. Highly recommended reading for anyone interested in any aspect of Mel Gibson's "Passion".
    La Pasion segun Mel Gibson: Separando la Ficcion de la Realidad
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      La Pasion segun Mel Gibson: Separando la Ficcion de la Realidad
      Jorge Erdely
      Manufacturer: Publicaciones para el Estudio Científico de las Religiones
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      ASIN: 9709277197

      Book Description

      Este libro es un analisis de actualidad e indispensable sobre la pelicula La Pasion de Cristo, producida por el legendario actor Mel Gibson. En el, el autor provee a los lectores de importantes contextos para evaluar tanto el contenido del filme como las diferentes polemicas que ha suscitado.
      Mel Gibson's Passion: The Film, the Controversy, and it's Implications (Shofar Supplements in Jewish Studies)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Mel Gibson's Passion: The Film, the Controversy, and it's Implications (Shofar Supplements in Jewish Studies)
        Zev Garber
        Manufacturer: Purdue University Press
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback
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        ASIN: 1557534055

        Book Description

        Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ, was released on Ash Wednesday, February 24, 2004 to capacity audiences in theatres and auditoriums across the U.S. and other countries. Prior to the film's release, a groundswell of controversy filled the airwaves and media outlets. Some religious groups protested the film, while others embraced it. Mel Gibson focuses on the Passion not the life nor resurrection of Christ. By doing so, he leaves out most of the elements of the Jesus story familiar to Christians and consequently he adds non-biblical gruesome details foreign to the Gospels. Mel Gibson's Passion: The Film, the Controversy, and Its Implications exposes the flaws of Gibson's cinematic Christ and lays out assertively and persuasively the rationale of Jews and Christians in how to grasp and comprehend the passion and execution of the Christian savior known scripturally as the "King of the Jews."
        The War on Mel Gibson: The Media vs. The Passion
        Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
        • Interesting but limited
        The War on Mel Gibson: The Media vs. The Passion
        Gary North
        Manufacturer: American Vision
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

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        ASIN: 0915815478

        Book Description

        The War On Mel Gibson explains why Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ has stirred such a furor. Isn't it just another Jesus movie? Evidently not and Dr. North reveals who Mel Gibson's persecutors are, what they did, how they did it, and why they lost this battle - a battle they knew they had to win. How bad did they lose? The movie made more money in the final five days of February than any movie had ever made in February. The movie then made more money in March than any movie had ever made in March. Before the release of the DVD it had earned over $368 million, making it #7 in American box office earnings history. Those that opposed the release of this movie lost pretty badly.

        Beyond the financial success of the movie, more important, was the human and spiritual success of the movie. People came to Christ and others found new depth for their faith after viewing the film. Relationships were restored and crimes were confessed as criminals turned themselves in. What a demonstration of the power of the Gospel of Christ! The film has proved to be a phenomenon. Dr. Gary North shares why he believes that The Passion of the Christ was not just another movie about Jesus. Its release was a watershed event heralding a coming change.

        Beyond the detailing of the opposition to Mel Gibson, The War on Mel Gibson also presents a winning strategy for Bible-believing Christians to take back lost cultural territory. (Hardback, 201 pages)

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars Interesting but limited.......2005-02-12

        This book will mainly be of interest to the evangelical Christian who has been irritated by the media attacks on Mel Gibson's movie, attacks motivated largely by political fear of the so-called "religious right" and by anti-Christian sentiments (where "Christian" is used to refer to orthodox, evangelical, and traditional Christians, as opposed to the more socially acceptable liberal Christians).

        The book will do nothing, I believe, to persuade the person who did not like The Passion or who despises evangelical Christianity. For most readers, who already accept the author's premise, the book may serve as little more than a means of catharsis and a call to action.

        The author spends a great deal of time quoting negative reviews of the movie, explaining the political and religious assumptions behind those reviews, and dismissing the arguments they contain. He does not mount a thorough artistic defense of the movie, or spend a great deal of time explaining why it is worthy of admiration (though there are scattered references to its virtues, including its powerful use of symbolism). The author also discusses Hollywood in general, the role of the boycott, and films of the past with positive or negative attitudes towards Christianity.

        The book relies rather heavily on the writings of other religious and political thinkers, such as Rabbi Lapin and Michael Medved, and he quotes large portions of the latter's Hollywood vs. America. In other words, the author largely regurgitates (often through direct quotation) the arguments of others who have already expressed similar ideas in better ways.

        North does make two rather interesting points, however, both of which appear in his conclusion. First, he demonstrates one example of the old Bible adage "you reap what you sow": Hollywood has spent years pushing a message of moral relativism, and now it must contend with a generation that does not consider it wrong to download intellectual property (including music and movies) from the internet without paying. He also tells Christians something they need to hear--that we have a "moral obligation before God to be the best" at every aspect of culture. The author is right to say that too many Christians have surrendered the realm of culture to the secular humanists, instead of producing great art and literature inspired by Christianity.

        All in all, though I agree more or less with the author's assessment of The Passion and the motives of most of those who attacked it, I don't think the book had much to offer. Although occasionally interesting, it was a bit disjointed, a bit polemic, and a bit unoriginal. Finally, the prominent placement of a website URL at the bottom of absolutely every page was rather annoying.

        The Films of Mel Gibson
        Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
        • This book stunk.
        • Packed with great pictures and information!
        The Films of Mel Gibson
        John McCarty
        Manufacturer: Citadel
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

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        Similar Items:
        1. Mel Gibson: Man on a Mission Mel Gibson: Man on a Mission

        ASIN: 0806519185

        Customer Reviews:

        1 out of 5 stars This book stunk........1999-04-14

        It had too many pictures if you want information this book is not for you all it is is pictures. I did not like it at all.

        5 out of 5 stars Packed with great pictures and information!.......1999-04-09

        This book literally has a picture on every page! It is also a good biography of his life as well as a film chronicle. If you want to follow up on his past and present works; this is the book for you!
        Mel Gibson's Bible: Religion, Popular Culture, and "The Passion of the Christ" (Afterlives of the Bible)
        Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
        • A Balance to Rough Reviews
        • bizarre theories from bizarre academics
        Mel Gibson's Bible: Religion, Popular Culture, and "The Passion of the Christ" (Afterlives of the Bible)

        Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        History & CriticismHistory & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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        Similar Items:
        1. Imaging the Divine: Jesus and Christ-Figures in Film (Communication, Culture & Theology) Imaging the Divine: Jesus and Christ-Figures in Film (Communication, Culture & Theology)
        2. Faith and Film: Theological Themes at the Cinema Faith and Film: Theological Themes at the Cinema
        3. Finding God in the Movies: 33 Films of Reel Faith Finding God in the Movies: 33 Films of Reel Faith
        4. Communication Research Statistics Communication Research Statistics
        5. Sanctuary Cinema: Origins of the Christian Film Industry Sanctuary Cinema: Origins of the Christian Film Industry

        ASIN: 0226039765

        Book Description

        The Passion of the Christ was an extraordinary media event. But the film has also, and more importantly, been a religious phenomenon. Mel Gibson's professed intent was to create not just a cinematic experience but a spiritual one. And he has succeeded for many moviegoers, most notably evangelical Christians, of whom millions have embraced the film as a presentation of Holy Scripture, a twenty-first century incarnation of the Word.

        In this volume, biblical scholars Timothy K. Beal and Tod Linafelt—along with an esteemed group of contributors—offer a provocative range of views on The Passion of the Christ. Their book is organized in three parts. The first analyzes the film in terms of its religious foundations, including the Gospels and nonbiblical religious texts: What are the film's literary sources and how does it use them? In what ways does the medium of film require a radically different way of representing gospel narrative? The second group of essays focuses on the ethical and theological implications of the film's presentation of the Christian gospel: What do we make of its representations of female sexuality? What are the implications of focusing on the Passion in terms of atonement rather than social justice? Finally, the third section explores the film as a pop cultural phenomenon: How has the film worked to create a sense of insider status for some and alienated so many others? What can we learn about the religious dimensions of contemporary mass culture from the film's reception?

        Whether one is inspired or appalled by The Passion of the Christ, there can be no question that it is a defining moment in the cultural afterlife of the Bible. This volume tries to make sense of that moment and will prove to be a touchstone for adherents and detractors of the film alike.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars A Balance to Rough Reviews.......2006-11-03

        I think that you can't just ridicule a book because it has ideas you don't like, if those ideas are expressed well. Sure, this book may be a little academic, but if that means that it is not boiled down to the lowest level of lame reductionism, so be it. There are profound ideas behind the movie, and trying to fish them out can be a great exercise. Sorry for the sparse review, I just wanted to balance out another POV. I also recommend "Religion and Its Monsters" by Beal

        1 out of 5 stars bizarre theories from bizarre academics.......2006-03-22

        Just take Prof. Heschel, the daughter of a distinguished rabbi and scholar. She finds Gibson's movie anti-feminist. That's a hoot, considering that traditional Judaism was anti-feminist.

        Some good ideas here, a lot of nonsense by axe-grinding academics. What is clear is that Gibson is 150% a Catholic medieval type. No one here has a good explanation why this appealed to Protestant fundies and bigots who don't give a hoot about the Stations of the Cross or the Virgin Mary.
        Mel Gibson and His Movies
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • very good informations that I could not get anywhere else!
        • very well investigated!
        Mel Gibson and His Movies
        Brian Pendreigh
        Manufacturer: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

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        ASIN: 0747531757

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars very good informations that I could not get anywhere else!.......1998-12-13

        Very, very good and large backround informations about Mel Gibson's life, thei history of his films and recent films of the most important costars!

        5 out of 5 stars very well investigated!.......1998-12-07

        That book gave me information about Mel Gibson that I could not get anywhere else (and, as a fan, I have just read a lot about him)!! It is both bography and film description (very large description of each film!) Also very will written - I could not stop reading until I came to the last page! I think anyone will enjoy it!

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