What does this say about Mel Gibson?

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Paparazzi is a movie opening this weekend. Mel Gibson is one of the producers of this film.

Here is a synopsis of the film.

When an overzealous group of four paparazzi photographers cause a car accident that injures his wife (Tunney) and son, a hot young (and very angry) movie star named Bo Laramie (Hauser) concocts a revenge plot against them.

The rating is PG-13 for intense violent sequences, sexual content and language.

How does this express Mr Gibson’s faith?

Ploting revenge? Intense violence, sexual content?

Very strange timing also. It comes out so close to the release of the Passion of the Christ on DVD.

 

[Ghosty]

We don’t know what level his (name removed by moderator)ut was taken at, nor do we even know what his (name removed by moderator)ut was. It’s important to remember, however, that he IS working in the film industry, and that’s the way he supports his family and how he expresses his talents. Such films are the norm, unfortunately, and working on them is often the only way to continue in the industry. It doesn’t mean he likes it, or even necessarily condones the bad stuff in the film.

Of course one could also point out that such themes are well within Scripture, espescially the OT, and acknowledging that they occur does not equate to supporting them.

 

[Greg_McPherran]

I don’t know, when I was a boy there were cowboy and Indian movies on TV with lots of shooting and bows and arrows - no one seemed to question that. Plus we came into Indian lands - what does that say about us?

Let him who has no sin cast the first stone.

I agree that in general, movies with excessive violence and sexuality are wrong and are best avoided. However, a mature Catholic can observe a story without buying into it. I would say Mel Gibson’s movie is at least not R, so that actually indicates that he may be trying to steer away from excessive violence and sexuality. It sounds like it might be an interesting story.

Just because an actor in a movie seeks revenge does not mean that the movie endorses revenge. In fact, the message may very well be that revenge consumes people and causes problems.

Mel Gibson is pretty high on my good list. He believes in having children and I think he is a good family man. I kind of admire him - I think he’s pretty cool the way he bucks the trends today.

I’ll probably go and see this movie because he made it and it doesn’t sound too extreme.

Greg

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Ghosty:

We don’t know what level his (name removed by moderator)ut was taken at, nor do we even know what his (name removed by moderator)ut was. It’s important to remember, however, that he IS working in the film industry, and that’s the way he supports his family and how he expresses his talents. Such films are the norm, unfortunately, and working on them is often the only way to continue in the industry. It doesn’t mean he likes it, or even necessarily condones the bad stuff in the film.

So if he has no (name removed by moderator)ut he can provide money and his name to any movie and it is ok?

The thing that troubles me the most is that some people will see it becuase his name is attached to it.

And if he wishes to use his faith to get people to support one of his movies then he must be willing to take a hit when he supports or stars in questionable movies for the same reason.

The answer “he IS working in the film industry” does not do it for me, it is the like nazi guard that says he was just a soldier.

Now I am not saying that Mr Gibson is evil but I do question the content of this movie and his faith, after all it is Mr Gibson who made his faith a part of his public image.

This is just another reason why I will not buy the Passion of the Christ. I do not want my money to be used in projects I do not agree with.

 

[raphaela]

Just because he did one christian movie for christians, doesn’t mean that he must do every movie for christians. Remember, more than just catholics watch movies and want to be entertained. Not everything should revolve around catholicism…I know that sounds bad but here’s my point…If every person in the world was a catholic, or even a christian, then yes, maybe his movies shoudl be geared towards christians. But because not everyone is christian, he shouldn’t’feel obligated to cater to one religion. He did the passion out of his own beliefs…he also has the industry heads to please as well.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

raphaela:

Just because he did one christian movie for christians, doesn’t mean that he must do every movie for christians. Remember, more than just catholics watch movies and want to be entertained. Not everything should revolve around catholicism…I know that sounds bad but here’s my point…If every person in the world was a catholic, or even a christian, then yes, maybe his movies shoudl be geared towards christians. But because not everyone is christian, he shouldn’t’feel obligated to cater to one religion. He did the passion out of his own beliefs…he also has the industry heads to please as well.

Raphaela,
I agree with you. But what I am trying to say is that if one is a Catholic then their work should reflect that they are Catholic.

There movies should not go against Church Teachings, should not promote life styles that are against the Church and such…

 

[Greg_McPherran]

ByzCath:

…I do question the content of this movie and his faith, after all it is Mr Gibson who made his faith a part of his public image.

Consider my other points that the movie may be a good story and at least it’s not R. I think that show Mr. Gibson is going in the right direction.

ByzCath:

This is just another reason why I will not buy the Passion of the Christ. I do not want my money to be used in projects I do not agree with.

Yes, I have thought like that but I have lightened up a bit. We must have the joy of God and we are not responsible for the sins of others. It’s not like you are giving money to drugs or pornography - it’s a PG-13 movie with a story to it. You’re going a bit cookoo here.

We are to be serious about holiness, true, but I think real holiness includes finding a balance that does not find excessive fault. You are to be praised for your concern and willingness to do God’s will. I think you will find that God’s Spirit calls us to be bit more lighthearted. Jesus said His yoke is light. I think you are making your own yoke a bit heavier than is good.

I once avoided many stores, etc. because they sold things I don’t agree with. It can drive you crazy.

Let’s get the porn and drugs cleaned up then we can focus on these shocking PG-13 movies.

I advocated a boycott because the Gates charities gave millions to organizations that promote abortion. This concerns me whereas a Mel Gibson PG-13 movie does not concern me and I may even see the movie.

Buy the Passion movie. The direct good will far outwiegh any indirect side-effect of supporting a PG-13 movie. In fact, the more you spend on Christian movies, the more you show Hollywood there is a market for this instead of the other trash.

Best,
Greg

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Greg_McPherran:

Yes, I have thought like that but I have lightened up a bit. We must have the joy of God and we are not responsible for the sins of others. It’s not like you are giving money to drugs or pornography - it’s a PG-13 movie with a story to it. You’re going a bit cookoo here.

Greg,
I have gone the other way on this… That is I have tightened up a bit on this issue.

And I do believe that we can be responsible for the sins of other. I think I find support for this in Byzantine Spirituality. I also see evidence of this in the Bible where it speaks about not being stumbling blocks for our neighbors.

Sexual content is close enough to pornography with me.

And I am holding Mr Gibson to a higher standard that others but I do so because he has raised himself up to it.

 

[Greg_McPherran]

Hi Byz,

Unix Admin? Intersting. I am a software engineer. Are you aware that bash stands for “Bourne Again Shell”? I am not comfortable with Linux because of this. This concerns me more than a PG-13 movie because it mocks Christianity.

ByzCath:

Sexual content is close enough to pornography with me.

It would really depend on the explicitness, the message, and context. PG-13 doesn’t show explicit images. Have you ever read the Song of Songs? That’s sexual content.

Also consider my other point about the good of buying the Passion.

I do know what you are saying about the higher standard for Mr. Gibson. Why not look into the content of the movie before making a decision?

Best,
Greg

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Greg_McPherran:

Hi Byz,

Unix Admin? Intersting. I am a software engineer. Are you aware that bash stands for “Bourne Again Shell”? I am not comfortable with Linux because of this. This concerns me more than a PG-13 movie because it mocks Christianity.

Yes I know this and I think its funny. It does not mock Christianity at all, it is a play on words. The bash shell is a modification of the bourne shell, so it is the bourne again shell. No mocking intent involved.

It would really depend on the explicitness, the message, and context. PG-13 doesn’t show explicit images. Have you ever read the Song of Songs? That’s sexual content.

PG-13 has become more lenient as of late, I would not allow any children I was responsible for to see a PG-13 movie.

Also consider my other point about the good of buying the Passion.

You have a point there but I do not find it compelling. I would not watch the movie enough to justify buying it. Once was fine for me.

I do know what you are saying about the higher standard for Mr. Gibson. Why not look into the content of the movie before making a decision?

Won’t happen as I will not see the movie. It subject matter does not interest me and it is too close to what happened with Princess Diana.

 

[cestusdei]

He dislikes these leeches. I think he wants to make the point of how vicious they are. Why should someones family be exposed to that kind of intrusion? Remember they chased Diana to her death. Granted they shouldn’t have been speeding, but they were trying to get away from herds of jackals with cameras. I say the families should be left alone. The actor is certainly going to have to endure some of this stuff, but he gets paid for it. But stalking their family is just evil. I never buy magazines or papers or watch programs that do this to other people. I don’t necessarily think paparazzi should be killed, but they should be penalized for violating the families of others.

 

[darcee]

Remember the Road Warrior, Lethal Weapon, Braveheart, et al…

This movie surprises you how?

We are all sinners, we are all human, our tastes and pursuits are most times rather mundane, low, sometimes even base… the best of us transcend these things as a way of life most of us manage to do so occasionally. Sometimes people transcend the mundane in an incredible and moving way and then backslide into normal life again to be struggling through the mud with the rest of us.

Making the Passion of the Christ did NOT put Mr Gibson on some level were we have the RIGHT to expect that everything he would even slightly be involved with from that time on would be uplifting, spiritual, exemplary or even worthy.

-D

 

[HagiaSophia]

darcee:

This movie surprises you how?

Exactly what I was wondering. Mr. Gibson has a right to remain gainfully employed and if this picture in some way shows what kind of a bunch of window peepers a great many filmgoers have turned into as they peer into the private and personal details of lives which belong to others, take vicarious pleasure in doing do and clamor for more, perhaps it may, in its own way do some good about a system which pays exorbitant amounts to those who can climb trees, sift through garbage pails and peer into the windows of cars in order to capture what their public wants. They could not exist without the reading public.

 

[Greg_McPherran]

Hi Byz, see this trailer:

apple.com/trailers/fox/paparazzi/large.html

The movie is about a family man hounded by paparazzi. I see no problem with Mr. Gibson’s involvement and I think it’s actually an interesting movie that may have a good message.

As I say, in this crazy world, Mr. Gibson is kind of my hero. He’s on my good list.

Greg

 

[ridesawhitehors]

darcee:

Remember the Road Warrior, Lethal Weapon, Braveheart, et al…

This movie surprises you how?

We are all sinners, we are all human, our tastes and pursuits are most times rather mundane, low, sometimes even base… the best of us transcend these things as a way of life most of us manage to do so occasionally. Sometimes people transcend the mundane in an incredible and moving way and then backslide into normal life again to be struggling through the mud with the rest of us.

Making the Passion of the Christ did NOT put Mr Gibson on some level were we have the RIGHT to expect that everything he would even slightly be involved with from that time on would be uplifting, spiritual, exemplary or even worthy.

-D

Well said, Darcee .
It is silly to act so puritanical as a knee jerk reaction to a yet unseen film.
Did you see “Braveheart”?? Lots of violence, anger, vengence, and sexual content too. But as far as I’m concerned it is one of the greatest modern movies made - Thank you again Mr. Gibson!!
I think it is important to see that violence and adult themes can be used in a non-glorifying way, and can also highlight virtue.
To draw conclusions on Mel Gibsons character and faith because you don’t like his movie content is rediculous.

 

[Ghosty]

I think it is important to see that violence and adult themes can be used in a non-glorifying way, and can also highlight virtue.

Exactly, and that’s my point with the Old Testament. Christians have put on ancient Greek plays that represent pagan faiths, and they have played the roles of the Roman soldiers beating and berating Christ. I think you are jumping to conclusions about how such things are used. Just because there is a villian doing evil things in a film does not make the film evil. The Bible is full of the works of demons, and even of the sins of the supposedly virtuous, but it is there to serve a purpose other than the glorification of evil. The Passion had the most naked depiction of evil I’ve yet seen in cinema, after all.

 

[Exalt]

I think this movie sounds excellent. What does that say about my faith?

My point is: Who are you to judge the quality and character of Mel Gibson’s faith, or anyone else’s? It’s simply not our place. Mel is not a saint, nor politician, nor church leader. He’s an artist, actor, and producer.

ByzCath:

Paparazzi is a movie opening this weekend. Mel Gibson is one of the producers of this film.

Here is a synopsis of the film.

When an overzealous group of four paparazzi photographers cause a car accident that injures his wife (Tunney) and son, a hot young (and very angry) movie star named Bo Laramie (Hauser) concocts a revenge plot against them.

The rating is PG-13 for intense violent sequences, sexual content and language.

How does this express Mr Gibson’s faith?

Ploting revenge? Intense violence, sexual content?

Very strange timing also. It comes out so close to the release of the Passion of the Christ on DVD.

 

[asquared]

it says that Mel Gibson makes violent movies. Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, Braveheart, Patriot, the Passion. What were you expecting?

 

[RBushlow]

ByzCath:

Paparazzi is a movie opening this weekend. Mel Gibson is one of the producers of this film.

Here is a synopsis of the film.

When an overzealous group of four paparazzi photographers cause a car accident that injures his wife (Tunney) and son, a hot young (and very angry) movie star named Bo Laramie (Hauser) concocts a revenge plot against them.

The rating is PG-13 for intense violent sequences, sexual content and language.

How does this express Mr Gibson’s faith?

Ploting revenge? Intense violence, sexual content?

Very strange timing also. It comes out so close to the release of the Passion of the Christ on DVD.

Please!

 

[Teresa9]

Can no-one do a good without thereafter being watched to see if they really are good, so much so that for all their life every move is analysed? Is it out of envy that people would doubt this man’s motives, because this is all he is, a man with a talent who tried to do a good thing. Let the good thing stand as a good thing without hounding the man who tried to do a good thing.