At last, Mel Gibson’s latest movie that caused various controversies through out the world, is at the cinemas in Turkey. This is a movie of Jesus’ last 12 hours where he was exposed to intense torture.
Directing: The hazy atmosphere at the beginning, the choice of languages (Hebrew and Latin), score and environment represents those years perfectly thus you are strongly stuck to your seat and watch breathlessly. However, I have seen some members of the audience, who could not watch the whipping scenes where the violence increases enormously, either shut their eyes or actually leave the movie theater.
Actually, this is a good sign for the believability of the movie. Most people around me think that Gibson made a violent film but they miss the issue. The movie is all about Jesus’ painful, last 12 hours before he died. It is obvious that Jesus won’t be simply crucified. Another issue is the strong camera shots that make you feel the mood. Sometimes the scene freezes and then suddenly continues, similar to a propulsive force that puts extreme pressures on the audience’s chest and sticks them onto their seats. In addition, close shots on the characters helps you to concentrate on one character at a time. Actually, I watched the movie excitedly although I knew the end. Thus, I believe, Mel Gibson did a nice job where he must be congratulated rather than criticized.
Acting: Jim Caviazel’s performance was mind blowing where he used his facial expressions and body language superbly as Jesus. Maia Morgenstern, as Mary, played her part very realistically, considering her attitudes as a mother. I don't know why Monica Belluci played in this movie where her acting was really weak when compared to the other main characters. Unless there was a deal between Gibson and Belluci, it would be nonsense to give this role to her. The other characters were extreme compared to the main players. Pontius Pilate, governor, was a really weak character although he was an authority figure. I think, his weakness gives the idea that Jesus died because of the chaos between the governor and Jews. Also, his soldiers were strongly violent in the whipping scenes. I think the most mysterious character was Satan played by an Italian actress. Satan’s neither male nor female attitudes were great which was supported by a scary tone.
Make-up: The make-up was compatible with those years and it was so realistic that you hardly looked at the bloody scenes.
Reminder: According to the “Kur-an”, Jesus Christ was not killed and crucified. People thought so but it was not him.

Rating:

Atilla Karakurum (IE/III)