Categories: uncategorized
Date: 23 April 2004 18:13:26
Sorry 'bout the subject heading, sounds like a spam e-mail. Saw The Passion of Mel Gi...er...Christ last night. Almost wish I hadn't. I know it's supposed to be disturbing but I was disturbed for all the wrong reasons. I'm not joking when I say this, I just think there was far more theology happening in the Lethal Weapon films.
Imaginary Interview.
I. So, Mel, hi. Firstly, why make a film which focuses exclusively on the death of Christ with next to no recognition of his life?
M.G. Well that's easy - because the world is so evil and needs to be shown what it did to Jesus, how guilty it is and how it can never ever do anything good of its own will.
I. Ah, I see. So you made the film to show the audience how guilty and worm-like they are. So, Mel, in what way does the film reflect a Christian worldview and spirit of generosity?
M.G. Huh?
I. In what way does the film reflect a Christian worldview and spirit of generosity?
M.G. (Thinks) ....er....well the film is about Christ, so it is inherently a Christian film and therefore expresses a Christian worldview.
I. I see, so Jesus being beaten senseless is redemptive in some way?
M.G. Well, the Christian story is redemptive and this is a telling of the Christian story.
I. But Mel, don't you think the Christian strory is about more than the death of Christ?
M.G. (Thinks) ...well, maybe, but why tell the whole story when you can just tell the most important bit?
I. ...and the death of Christ is the most important bit?
M.G. Sure.
I. Mel, can I ask you a personal question?
M.G. Within reason.
I. What is it you've had to live through that makes you so resentful against the world - and of such low self-respect - that you have to exorcise your demons by pointing your finger accusingly at the world? Is it that you sold your soul to Hollywood and are trying to get it back?
Mel's P.A. jumps in and says forcefully 'OK, interview over, that's your lot' and leads the interviewer out of the room.
Anyway, on a far more life-enhancing (and redemptive) note, been listening to lots of ska/2Tone from '79/'80. The Specials / The Selector, etc. It's time for a ska pop revival. Franz Ferdinand have a bit of a ska thing happening and it's there, albeit a subterranean influence, in a lot of the more serious post-punk stuff that's happening at the moment. And Jerry Dammers is DJ'ing in Glasgow soon. Maybe I'll get there.