My screenwriting teacher saw The Passion of the Christ today. He said there’s a strong religious anti-Semitic theme, as the Pharisees are the black hats. But he was impressed with Gibson’s filmmaking skills.
He liked the portrayal of Pilate. Gibson emphasizes the Hobson’s Choice he had of either executing Jesus and playing into the hands of the Pharisees, or facing an insurrection which would result in his recall to Rome (and probable execution.) So not all the Romans are sadistic thugs.
And yes, he said, it’s incredibly gory, this Christ does suffer for mankind’s sins. I didn’t ask if it was more or less bloody than Kill Bill vol. 1.
I’m still offended by all the blog spam promoting the movie, but if my agnostic screenwriting teacher thinks it’s a good film, it may be worth catching in the theatre rather than on DVD.
