I haven't seen and don't intend to see Gibson's modern take on the passion play, so I don't feel qualified to comment on the film, its accuracy, or any latent anti-Semitism it may cause or contain.
However, according to this AP article, box office receipts from the Ash Wednesday opening are in. Early estimates paint the take at $15-20MM, with $3MM from group sales alone.
The same article estimates the budget for "The Passion" at $25MM, which Gibson paid for out of his own deep pockets. The film is expected to gross well over $100MM by the end of its run, representing a substantial profit for Gibson even before DVD sales a broadcast rights. Not to mention additional millions to be brought in through merchandising. Among items for sale on website of "official licensed products" from the film include witness tools, a nail pendant, and a coffee mug.
As a Jew, I'm not generally taken to quoting from the "New Testament," but in this case, I can't resist:
Matthew 21.12-13: And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Article comments
1 - Kyle
When Gibson first decided to make this movie, he didn't know it would make any money. Most religious films have bombed at the box office, so for all he knew it wasn't a moneymaking project. I think that is a big difference.
2 - Shark
Scott,
Please don't spoil the party by asking Christians to actually practice what Jesus preached.
There is nothing more subversive in Western culture than the words of their prophet:
"You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." (Mark 10:21)
"Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15)
BTW: Those lines weren't uttered in Mel's film; as a matter of fact, since it was the "last 12 hours" of his life, Jesus' entire career and teachings were left out. How convenient.
Mel edits:
cut the revolutionary talk;
cut TO the action and violence.
The guy knows his audience.
PS: re. the nail pendants - (possibly the most tasteless marketing tie-in in history)
As the late great Bill Hicks once said:
"If Jesus comes back, you think he's going to want to see a fucking cross!?"
3 - Rich
Come on Scott, are you kidding me??? Now, everyone wants to know what is he going to do with all the money...
He was attacked in Hollywood as a madman, anti-Semite, trying to push commercially not viable project, etc. before the release. Now, the major studios are biting their nails (and I guarantee you, they are already schemeing how to come up with a religious based movie of this kind of success...) For all I care, he put up his own money to do the project, so I believe that there was more of conviction (maybe a religious fervor) and less of thinking this would be a blockbuster.
Now, everyone is interested, what's he going to do with all that money... If he pockets it all, I have no problem with that... If he donates some of it to charities, even Jewish one, I have no problem with that. He has deserved to make that judgement himself...
BTW, read more the controversy surrounding the movie here:
http://www.towardtradition.org/article_Mel_Gibson.htm
4 - samuel
"He was attacked in Hollywood as a madman, anti-Semite, trying to push commercially not viable project, etc. before the release"
That's is what they want you to believe. It's called MARKETING and I'm afraid you fell for it hook ,line and sinker. People have lost their discernment.