The Passion: Photography from the Movie "The Passion of the Christ" (Hardcover)

~ Mel Gibson (Foreword), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This exclusive and official companion volume to Mel Gibson's film The Passion of Christ invites readers to ponder some of the most powerful still photographs from the movie. Gibson provides a foreword in which he briefly describes the inspiration for making the film and explains his decision to draw on Scripture and "accepted visions" of the Passion as the sole texts for the screenplay. In the book, relevant Scripture passages (from the New Living Translation, alongside Latin and Aramaic) are juxtaposed against stunning full-color photographs of the film's depiction of Jesus' final 12 hours. We see Jesus kneeling in Gethsemane, bloodied by soldiers, brought before Pontius Pilate, mocked by Herod and nailed to the cross. Some images are simply unforgettable—Judas hanging himself from a tree; Mary recalling a poignant moment from Jesus' childhood; a spike being driven through Jesus' palm. Several pages of photos at the end of the book chronicle some behind-the-scenes moments in the making of the film.
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Product Description

The Passion is a visual portrayal of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus. Gripping photos taken on the set of Mel Gibson's new film, The Passion of Christ, together with the biblical narratives in the New Living Translation, present the story in vivid detail. A sweeping presentation of the Passion story in powerful images that will enhance the movie experience!

"This is a movie about love, hope, faith, and forgiveness. He [Jesus] died for all mankind, suffered for all of us. It's time to get back to that basic message. The world has gone nuts. We could all use a little more love, faith, hope, and forgiveness." --Mel Gibson, Icon Productions

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842373624
• ISBN-13: 978-0842373623
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #370,962 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

198 of 214 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Produced Book Covers Mel Gibson's Superb Movie!, February 26, 2004

By	Barron Laycock "Labradorman" (Temple, New Hampshire United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This superbly crafted, photographed and carefully scripted book, along with the wonderful daily vespers book "His Passion' (see my review) provide an excellent set of companion material for those moved to action by the experience of the film itself, and who want to explore more into both the project Mel Gibson embarked on in the making of the film as well as the particualr sect of scriptural teachings informing the endeavor. It also provides Gibson for a forum in which he can explain the project and deal with the multitude of criticism emanating from both the secular and wider religious communities.

As a result of these considerations, the reader is presented with a great deal of relevant material explaining why Gibson chose to use some fairly obscure and narrow interpretations of the events surrounding Jesus' Passion during the final days of His life on earth. For example, within the pages of the foreword of the book, Gibson explains how he came to depend so heavily on the use of Biblical passages from the "New Living Translation" version of the Bible almost exclusively as the material for the spoken dialogue in the script. He also articulates why he deliberately decided to use more original antique languages along with English subtitles in order to maximize the authenticity of the moviegoer's experience of the final twelve hours of Jesus' life.

The book works quite well, using the combination of both diverting text and a wonderful collage of stunning photographs to display the movie-making experience. One caution, however; those who have not seen the movie should be aware that Gibson assumes those reading the book have seen the epic, and although one can get a fairly good representation of the film from the book, it is clearly no substitute for the experience itself. I highly recommend the book for people who have seen the movie and who want to extend the experience with a wonderfully reproduced book that showcases both Gibson's artistry and the magic talents of his cinematographer's craft. Enjoy!

53 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the passion, February 28, 2004

By	Meghann "esprit_du_reveur" - See all my reviews

...Mel Gibson obviously cares about the Lord, he was brave enough to make this movie(which cost him 27 million dollars) even if he might have been ridiculed for it which is what you are doing right now. It is an amazing movie and I read Mark in the bible. Some of the lines in the movie are EXACTLY what jesus said, such as, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" Mark 15:34. Jesus DID suffer in such a way that is depicted in the movie. Even the pope said, "It is as it was." Please consider the hard work and dedication that was put into this movie. I don't want this comment to discourage ANYONE from seeing this movie or reading the book, because both are amazing.

65 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great companion piece to the film, February 26, 2004

By A Customer

An excellent book inspired by the Mel Gibson film. Breathtaking photographs and behind the scenes insight into the production combined with Gibson's foreward explaining his inspiration for making it, result in a powerful book.

It's not my habit to comment on other people's "reviews," but the "reader from Seattle"'s remarks need addressing, especially since it's obvious from "reader from Seattle"'s statements that "reader from Seattle" did not, and likely will not, read the book (and therefore should not be cluttering up these boards with a "review"):

"Reader from Seattle" says "Perhaps worst of all, Gibson's emphasis on the idea that Jesus 'died for the sins of humanity' is misguided and only fuels the aggression of the Religious Right."

The idea that Jesus "died for the sins of all humanity" is the WHOLE POINT of the story. It comes directly from the Bible - directly from the mouth of Jesus himself. Even if one does not accept that the Bible was written by God through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, these apostles were the ONLY witnesses to His life and words. His words make it clear he died for the sins of mankind. YOU are misguided.

Furthermore, if, as "reader from Seattle" says, "Jesus allowed himself to be arrested, knowing he would probably be killed, to provide a good example of the loving and forgiving pacifist and martyr," why doesn't "reader from Seattle" follow that example? Why does "reader from Seattle" worry about the "aggression of the Religious Right," or anyone else whose message "reader from Seattle" fears and disagrees with? Why not follow Jesus' supposed example by being loving and forgiving of the Religious Right? If the TRUE Christian doctrine is to "judge not...love his enemies and turn the other cheek," why don't YOU do that in regards to them?

As for your claim that you doubt "we'll ever find out when that doctrine about Jesus 'dying for our sins' was created," it was created by God, you dufus. It's right there in the Bible. You will certainly find out when you are face to face with Jesus at the final judgment.

In closing, I'd like to suggest that "reader from Seattle" either accept what Jesus said about himself, or ignore him entirely. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the only reliable witnesses to the life and words of Jesus. If what they report isn't true, ignore it completely, but don't rewrite it. Of course, that's not really possible since there is no ignoring God even if you refuse to acknowledge Him. Of course, you and others hostile to the TRUE doctrine of Christianity want everyone to ignore Jesus which is why Mel Gibson's film has been so aggressively attacked. Charges that it's anti-semetic are a mere red herring. What offends people is that a major Oscar winning director and universally recognized film star has dared to make a film about Jesus as savior. Our society is corrupt and the corruptors don't want anything to remind people of that corruption or of the cure for it. But it's difficult to ignore a filmmaker of Gibson's immense popularity. God bless him.