New Film May Harm Gibson's Career

The New York Times ^ | February 26, 2004 | SHARON WAXMAN

[TontoKowalski]

Mel Gibson put principle and conviction over money. Let's not forget that it's only been a month or so ago that people were (almost) universally predicting gloom and financial ruin for Gibson. And yet, he carried on without regard to financial concerns.

Gibson has earned an enormous new following with this film. Any studio that distances themselves from him will be throwing millions down the drain.

Will the studio execs follow Gibson's lead and follow their hearts and convictions, even though millions are on the line? I doubt it. They'll whore themselves out to whomever can bring in the cash... doesn't matter if it's Mel Gibson with a Bible movie or Madonna on screen stark naked.

[longtermmemmory]

its the golden rule in hollywood. The man with the gold, makes the rules.

[FrankR]

"But movies promoting the Religion of Communism are just all-right with them!"

McCarthy was right..................

[petitfour]

I do not understand the reaction from these non-religious folks. If they are not practising Jews, then how are they Jews? Blood does not make one a child of God. It is what is inside. And that is the message of Jesus. That is why He was put to death. Observing a bunch of religious laws and practises does not put you in God's graces. These people could use with the prayers of many believers.

[dawn53]

As Glenn Beck would say, "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah."

Speaking of Beck, if you get his program in your area, the whole show today is dedicated to discussing the Passion.

They're only taking calls on the Passion.

[ghostrider]

Ronald Reagan said that Hollywood was being taken over by the Communists - and that was back in 1950. He was a little off in his opinion. Hollywood was being taken over by the Dark Forces of Evil. Throughout the world, the plot of "Star Wars" and "Babylon 5" are unfolding before our eyes...and the good guys aren't winning.

[listenhillary]

Holywood had better be scared
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2004-02-24-making-movies_x.htm

[longtermmemmory]

I remember seeing that this was supposed to be a limited release "art" film because of the unique language. It was not expected to be this big.

[2Jedismom]

I can't believe there are no Mel Gibson pictures on this thread!!!

Isn't that some kind of Free Republic RULE???

[veronica]

It may change Mel Gibson's position in Hollywood, but whether that harms his career per se, is hard to tell IMO. Some people may now consider him too controversial to get involved with. They may think he has too much personal baggage, (his father etc.) and they don't want the headache. But if he can raise financing for films he'll make films. I do think that as an actor for hire, he won't the offers he used to get. And I don't think he'll care. He's on a personal mission now.

My prediction re: Oscars. I think some of the actors will be nominated, maybe the cinematography, etc. But I'd be surprised if Mel won anything personally, or if the movie wins Best Picture.

I don't think Hollywood, and the powers that be there, will reward Mel Gibson for making a movie and engaging in PR campaign that roiled the waters re: Jews and their role, as he sees it, in the Passion. These are just my predictions, time will tell.

[The Louiswu]

My note to Mr. Gibson - If you can't find work anyplace else, I will give you a job and provide you and your family a home until you get back on your feet!

So continue your good work and remember you will always have a seat at my table, my roof will be your roof and my clothes will cover you if you are in need.

[SuziQ]

Observing a bunch of religious laws and practises does not put you in God's graces

They are modern day Pharisees; and that includes Christians as well as Jews!

[joesnuffy]

Yule nevah woik in dis town again....

[joesnuffy]

Yule nevah voik in dis town again....

[SuziQ]

Here you go, 2J! What a way to start the day!

[D. Miles]

I boycotted Hollywood years ago. This will be my first film to see in years.

To me it is simple, it is a movie worth seeing and the hype is media driven, so that says it all!

[TexanToTheCore]

"I'm pretty sure that after this, Gibson isn't going to have any trouble at all finding work or workers for anything he does."

He has many future potential investors in his movies. Some of us are small, some of us are big, but together our investment cash makes Hollywood's investment money look like a small, perfectly formed piggy bank that your daughter has on her dresser.

[dennisw]

Rumor I heard is that Dave Geffen and Jeffry Katzenberg will not work with nor help Mel in the future. They never help Israel either that I know of.

There is genuine Jewish criticism of Passion. Then there is left wing criciticsm of Passion by atheistic Jews who want to see all religions minimized and disrespected..

[MadelineZapeezda]

Mel will make enough money to start his own film studio. Who needs Hollyweird anymore? They are enough conservative base out there that would support him in this endeavor.

[petitfour]

How can one be an atheistic Jew?