'The Passion' has impact

Religious films don't typically make for box office hits. But Mel Gibson's project "The Passion of the Christ" might change all that.

The film opened on Ash Wednesday and sold out in theaters all across the country, thanks to the interest of church groups that purchased large blocs of tickets -- sometimes every seat in a theater or theater complex. Weekend showings in Cape Girardeau were bought out, mostly by churches. And ticket sales continue to be brisk locally.

"The Passion" brought in $125 million in just five days, setting a record for the biggest debut ever by a film that opened on a Wednesday.

The timing of this film couldn't have been better. The release came midweek, which usually isn't good for a movie, but "The Passion" opened on Ash Wednesday, the day when Lent begins.

And the media frenzy surrounding Mel Gibson's movie should keep moviegoers headed to the theaters for some weeks to come. The film is expected to show through Easter weekend in most venues.

But it's not a film that everyone can or should see. "The Passion" is intense. After seeing the 135-minute film, many viewers left in tears or were so distraught they couldn't even speak. Others said that, despite the intensity of the film, their faith had been strengthened by seeing Mel Gibson's version of Jesus' passion -- his suffering from his arrest in Gethsemane to his death on a cross.

The film's R rating has kept many younger audiences and some adults away, and for good reason. The violence of a Roman crucifixion has no context for modern-day society. Much of the movie is likely too violent for youngsters, though an 11- or 12-year-old who was prepared for the violence could view the film.

For many viewers, "The Passion" raises more questions than it answers. Everyone who sees "The Passion" forms an opinion -- good or bad -- about the movie. It's likely to shock some, repulse others and leave a few people with questions they cannot answer. "The Passion," like any other work of art, should be viewed as such. It's affect on people will vary. But it is sure to make an emotional impact or start a conversation, and that's a sure sign of an effective work of art.