Posted on 03/16/2005 10:25:17 AM PST by My Favorite Headache
'Robots' Rivets, 'Passion' Fails to Rise Again by Brandon Gray March 15, 2005
Almost as phenomenal a failure as it was a blockbuster last year, the trimmed The Passion of the Christ re-release, The Passion Recut, drew $223,789 from 954 venues—averaging a paltry $234 per site. Director Mel Gibson and distributor Newmarket expected more business in the hope of making The Passion an Easter tradition, but fans of the movie were not devout enough after seeing it in droves in its $370.3 million original run and on DVD—which is far cheaper than a night at the picture show and the main threat to theatrical re-releases in this digital age.
The dismal returns of The Passion Recut may suggest that The Passion of the Christ was an of-the-moment cultural event last year. It was a statement in favor of a religious incumbent in a presidential election year, heightened by the war and the perceived nihilism of Hollywood. At the time, Mr. Gibson explained why he regarded the graphic violence as necessary to the story, and the audience generally agreed. By shearing six minutes of gore to attract those who might have otherwise found it unsettling, he contradicts his previously stated views and seems willing to compromise his hard fought artistic vision for a few extra bucks.
The Passion Recut was all for naught. Those who criticized the movie's extreme violence most vocally were fundamentally opposed to The Passion in the first place. They were not simply squeamish Christians. Less violence appears to have alienated the picture's fan base and failed to convert non-believers, while the editing has undermined Mr. Gibson's status as the David versus Goliath Hollywood.
(Excerpt) Read more at boxofficemojo.com ...
The Passion was the last movie I saw at the movies and I don't care if it's the last. I seldom go and pay the price to see the movie and obligatory feast afterwards. I am very glad I did see it but have no urge to see it over and over. It wasn't an enjoyable sensation but a sobering revelation that one does not wish to be de-sensitized to.
The re-cut verison is like the old Batman television show. Every time Jesus takes a hit from a whip the words "BAM" and "POW" come on the screen. Much less violent.
It is not rated R. It us "Unrated".
LMFAO
I plan to take my daughter to see it next week, when she's out of school for spring break - and it will be Holy Week.
I didn't take her last year, because I felt that she wasn't ready at 13. Now she's a year older, and some of the scenes that I had to force myself to watch are shorter.
I didn't buy it on DVD because I want it to be more of an experience to see it than plopping on the couch and having the cats compete for my attention.
It was cut and trimmed down. I don't want to see a watered down version. Not the best idea. I didn't want to criticize him at the time. I was shocked to hear he trimmed it, but the deed was done and I wished him the best, but even if I had the money, I would not have gone. Mel should come here for advice before he makes a single move. We closely reflect his viewer base. FReegards....
1.) It's on DVD. Little point in seeing it at the theater.
2.) It's not a fun movie to watch. A meaningful but somewhat unpleasant viewing experience, so it doesn't surprise me that a re-release wouldn't garner much.
In respect to your comment, Easter is a single day, that is true, but the "Holiday" for those who truly practice it starts at the beginning of Lent and continues through Palm Sunday, Good Friday (Passover) and finally Easter. There are several observations through this whole period of 42 days.
Although, I must admit none of them involve a bunny rabbit.
You're right. I just checked again. It is "NR". It would still have received an R rating if it had ever been put before the MPAA ratings board. I saw the entire 150 minutes of the original - cutting 6 minutes of the film would not have changed that R rating if it had been reviewed.
They've seen it and many have bought the DVD....
LOL... Lots of Biblical potential with that concept. Sodom ("KABOOM"), Ananias & Sapphira ("ZAP! ZAP!"), etc.
part of the reason for last year's success was all the free publicity from people attack or otherwise protesting the film. That attracted a lot of people who went to watch it, just to see what the fuss was all about.
Gibson should have added even more gore for the re-release, if he wanted more of that free publicity.
I agree that the DVD would reduce it somewhat. But the audience reaction to 'The Passion' was amazing. NO ORDINARY AUDIENCE. I'd love to experience it again, but not with a trimmed version. All or nothing. My mother, on the other hand, could not handle a second viewing. She'd rather put her hand on a hot poker first. She's glad she went, but once will last her a lifetime.
I would not describe lent as a holiday.
You must consider that the film was about the last 3 days of Jesus not His prior 3 years of ministry. That said, having seen both [and the DVD] I do not think it will be a movie theatre classic. The DVD works much better. It is more an individual experience and not a group.
In essense, you are correct. He needed to tweak the left more. Rub it in their nose somehow. Visit the talk-radio circuit. I'm looking forward to his Old Testament idea.
I saw the movie last year. I bought the DVD which is still in the wrapping. I had a hard time dealing with it, and I'm not so sure when I will have whatever it takes to see it again.
I am not at all criticizing the film. It is important to see and understand the full sacrifice. I just don't know if I can watch it again.
.and I certainly don't commerate lent by buying chocolate
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