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Presents the life and career of the Australian-raised, American-born actor and film director. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This is a very disappointing book for the price
This book is an extremely thin volume and thin summary of Mr. Gibson and his films.A much better book is The Films of Mel Gibson and also Lethal Hero. The latter gives a good history of Mel's life and lots of interestinginfo on his movies and the making of them. I would not recommend this bookby John Lewis/Sandy Noble. I don't know why it took two of them to compileit!

A disappointing book on Mel Gibson
I found this book to be a disppointing book.It started when I saw how thin the book was.It seemed to be no thicker than a children's nursery rhyme book.

The content was okay.It had pretty much the same factual information about Mr. Gibson as other books I've read.

I'm working on an authorized biography of Mr. Gibson and I hope that it will contain more of the personal information that people would like to know about one of the most versatile and interesting actors of our time! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great pictures of Mel Gibson
one of the best picture books of mel from his first screen roles up till HAMLET. ... Read more

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Packed with hundreds of photos, fascinating behind-the-scenes information, reviews, and cast and credit listings, The Films of Mel Gibson is the book thousands of fans have been eagerly awaiting. This pictorial celebration explores Gibson's film career as an actor and director--from the seminal Road Warrior series and hugely successful Lethal Weapon series, to Hamlet, Maverick, and Ransom. Photos throughout, many in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book stunk.
It had too many pictures if you want information this book is not for you all it is is pictures. I did not like it at all.

Packed with great pictures and information!
This book literally has a picture on every page! It is also a good biography of his life as well as a film chronicle. If you want tofollow up on his past and present works; this is the book for you! ... Read more

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An exciting and engaging book that will appeal not only to academics but to the film-viewing public, educated lay-persons and students.Not only will the book aid this audience in a greater appreciation of the film 'The Passion of the Christ' but perhaps more importantly it will enable the reader to distinguish between both the contents of the film and the contents of the Gospels and between the contents of the film and what may be historically reconstructed about Jesus.

Furthermore the book will aid the reader to appreciate the contributions that the study of the Gospels and the historical study of Jesus can make to the discussion of the film 'The Passion of the Christ'.

Jesus and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ is edited by Kathleen E. Corley, Oshkosh Northwestern Distinguished Professor and Professor of New Testament at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Robert L. Webb, an independent scholar living near Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The other contributors are:

Dr. John Dominic Crossan, Professor Emeritus of religious Studies at DePaul University, Illinois.

Dr. Helen K. Bond, Lecturer in New Testament Language, Literature and Theology at New College, University of Edinburgh, UK;

Dr. Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada;

Dr Mark Goodacre, Senior Lecturer in New Testament at the Department of Theology, University of Birmingham, UK;

Dr. Glenna S. Jackson, Associate Professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio;

Dr. Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University, Chicago, Illinois;

Dr. Mark Allan Powell, Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio;

Alan F. Segal, Professor of Religion and Ingeborg Rennert Professor of Jewish Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University, New York;

Dr. W. Barnes Tatum, Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Greensboro College, North Carolina;

David J. Goa, Curator Emeritus at the Provincial Museum of Alberta and a Fellow of the M.V. Dimic Institute for the Study of Culture at the University of Alberta. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Jesus didn't come as a scholar
For the price of this book, you could rent the movie many times.

Turning to a book full of scholars can be problematic. They don't agree and it can be virtually impossible to separate facts from opinions.

You can read the gospels for yourself (and very likely have) to get a good sense of how close Gibson stayed to the Gospels. You can read for yourself in the Gospels that they only say about Jesus' flogging that he was flogged and about Jesus' crucifixion that he was crucified. So you undoubtedly don't need scholars torealize that Gibson went beyond the Gospels to convey what the flogging and crucifixion may have been like.

Reading these scholars may inform you. It may also confuse you. What remains open to serious question is the film's focus on the death of Jesus as a sacrifice. You may do well to consider whether that was helpful to you. You may also wonder how that focus on sacrifice, as well as any critique of it, might be being manipulated nowadays.

Where history ends and myth begins...
This is a good book for anyone interested in how Mel Gibson's film relates to the Jesus of history, and the editors generally take the right approach: "We should not impose what we want Gibson to do with his movie but rather seek to understand, appreciate, and critique what he has done." Aside from one contributor (Crossan), the twelve authors do a fairly good job of this.

The first part presents two overviews of the film written by John Dominic Crossan and Mark Goodacre. Differences in tone, reason, and sanity cannot be overstated. Crossan's is a sanctimonious indictment and hard to take seriously, with preposterous overstatements found on every page: "If this film is not anti-Semitic, no such film can ever be made." In fact the film is no more anti-Semitic than the gospels, and considerably less so than Matthew and John. "Any Christian who accepts the Emmerich-Gibson theology of vicarious atonement is trapped in support of pornographic sadism." While the violence is extreme and the gore a blood-bath, neither is gratuitous. The subject matter demands them. Pornography encourages the viewer to want more, and the film does precisely the opposite. In effect Crossan serves as the foil against which Goodacre radiates sound judgment. The latter's essay is easily the book's finest: well-organized, well-written, explaining why the film can offer a powerful vision to Christians and non-Christians alike.

The second part is half the book and deals with particular subjects: the flashbacks (Robert Webb), the character of Judas (Scot McKnight), the figure of Satan (Mark Allan Powell), Mary and the women (Kathleen Corley), the Jewish leaders (Alan Segal), the Romans (Helen Bond), the trials of Jesus (Glenna Jackson), and the procession/crucifixion (Craig Evans).

Webb thinks the flashbacks are key to comprehending Gibson's vision: "without them the film would be a pointless gore-fest". I disagree. The flashbacks are unnecessary and distractive given the film's focus. And Jesus' passion isn't pointless; the context is supplied by familiarity with the gospel stories. I agree, however, with Webb's conclusion that Gibson's use of the flashbacks is "problematic and inadequate", not only because they insufficiently communicate the significance of Jesus, but because the viewer's own image of Jesus can provide all the framework one needs. Gibson's snapshots are too brief and superficial. In any case, Webb's individual commentaries on the flashbacks are helpful.

McKnight explains why Judas' betrayal and suicide is likely historical, while his demonization in the film is mythological though dramatically effective. Powell argues that the androgynous and alluring figure of Satan, while not exactly true to the gospels (let alone history), is a well-used and convincing representation of evil. Corley corrects Gibson's association of Mary Magdalene with the adulteress of Jn 8, and opines that both Marys should have been in the flashbacks with the disciples -- since historically they were disciples too.

Segal's objections are fair and considered (unlike those of Crossan) but misplaced. He believes the film is anti-Semitic for portraying the Jewish leaders under Satan's sway. Historically the priesthood had very good reasons for having Jesus arrested: he was stirring up crowds during passover, and he acted against the temple. Messianic movements (of which there were a variety) and threats against the temple could easily get one killed in Jesus' day, and these would certainly account for an historical passion more than any mythological reason owing to Satanic influence. Segal is obviously right. But Gibson's film is Catholic myth according to Emmerich, not history according to E.P. Sanders and Paula Fredriksen. Controversial as it is, Satan's power over the Jewish leaders must be understood as foreordained in the context of this myth: "They act as the chosen people prepared by their whole history to carry out the ironic rejection of God, even as they defend his name. They persecute Jesus out of a righteousness given over to Satan for the time being, so that the battle Christ fights alone can be most intense: it is against his own." (Glenn Arbery, film critic)

Bond explains why the film's portrayal of Pilate is a blend of history, gospel apology, and artistic imagination: the real Pilate would have been callously indifferent to Jesus and killed him without second thought. Jackson observes many historical problems with the film's (and gospels') trial scenes. Evans gives a superb analysis of the relationship between the historical procession, the gospel route, and the medieval stations of the cross before turning to the crucifixion and what this terror entailed in the time of Jesus. He notes in conclusion that the early Christians would have been puzzled by Gibson's focus on passion instead of resurrection -- since Jesus' suffering and death was important as a prelude to the more climactic vindication by God.

The third part wraps up with contributions from W. Barnes Tatum, David Goa, and Robert Webb, who discuss the artistry of the film. Finally, editors Webb and Corley conclude that while Gibson's use of a harmonizing trajectory with the four gospels can be fairly expected (as in most Jesus films), his use of Emmerich is problematic on levels of both history and theology. That Emmerich is unreliable history is a given. That her theology is problematic amounts to a subjective claim which cannot be resolved by editorial appeals to modern sensibilities such as: "In a world where violence is seen as the answer to social and political problems, and where violence is glorified in various media, to suggest that God requires equally extreme violence for the salvation of humankind, is, to say the least, problematic." This is an inadequate response to the question of suffering in general and atonement theology in particular. Still, the editors have done an invaluable job of providing a useful handbook for those wanting to know where history ends and myth begins in Gibson's film. ... Read more

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Synopsis

La Pasion

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In the biblical story of David, a courageous young shepherd boy empowered by God takes on the fierce Philistine champion Goliath in mortal combat, in a story enhanced by music by Branford Marsalis. Read by Mel Gibson. ... Read more

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Covering all the key themes, different theoretical views and approaches to studying childhood and early childhood, this book guides you through your course, telling you exactly what is expected of you throughout your studies. It will ensure you develop the skills you need to become successful, and key areas covered include:

• Making the transition from personal experience of children, to studying childhood
• Making the most of your lectures
• Writing good assignments
• Learning how to study independently
• Developing your critical thinking
• Drawing on the full range of student resources (people, services, research visits)
• Getting a job in the early years sector

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This biography reveals the personal crises, financial nightmares, and personality clashes that "Braveheart" had to overcome. Mel Gibson won an Oscar for Best Director for "Braveheart", having already established himself as one of the top box-office attractions of his generation. He went straight from drama school to "Mad Max". He was almost thrown out of drama school in Sydney. An early marriage, an apparently happy family life and swift elevation to superstar status hide Gibson's inner demons, his long battle against drink and his continual artistic struggle. He put his popularity and credibility on the line with risky projects, such as "Hamlet" and, indeed, "Braveheart", the story of an obscure medieval Scot. While Gibson worked 20 hours a day, even toilet rolls were rationed as the dollar plunged against the pound. The author has interviewed Gibson numerous times and, in researching the book, spoke to many of the actor's directors and co-stars. He also interviewed the men and women Gibson left behind on his rise to the top, and discovered why some have mixed feelings about their former friend.The book assesses Gibson's films, from the low-budget Australian surf movie to the multi-million-dollar Hollywood star vehicles. It considers the influences that shaped Gibson, including the upheaval of emigration, from New York to Australia, at the instigation of a father who quit the Roman Catholic Church because it was too liberal. Brian Pendreigh is the author of "On Location: The Film Fan's Guide to Britain and Ireland". He won the title Film Journalist of the Year in 1995. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

very good informations that I could not get anywhere else!
Very, very good and large backround informations about Mel Gibson's life, thei history of his films and recent films of the most important costars!

very well investigated!
That book gave me information about Mel Gibson that I could not get anywhere else (and, as a fan, I have just read a lot about him)!! It is both bography and film description (very large description of each film!)Also very will written - I could not stop reading until I came to the lastpage! I think anyone will enjoy it! ... Read more

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Weekly entertainment and celebrity magazine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Just okay
I thought this would be more of an intimate perspective. It's good for people that know absolutely nothing about what happened, but it is very pro-Catholic, and ushers non-believers into Catholicism.

Exceptional Study Guide
This wonderful little book takes one hundred questions, primarily pertaining to the film "The Passion Of The Christ," and gives solid and Biblically based answers to each.A couple of the questions are more follow-up to previous questions that explain with a little more depth certain Catholic beliefs and teachings than outright explanations of happenings in the film.

The author is quick to note that some of the things happening in the film are portrayed with plenty of artistis license.However, the freedoms taken by Mel Gibson in the film are meant to enhance the actual occurrence of the Passion.

If you are Catholic, this book is a wonderful guide that opens the door for further study, primarily thanks to the three appendices and the resource guide at the back of the book.These appendices include the five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and the Seven Last Words of Christ.The resource guide includes recommended books on apologetics, Bible study, personal experiences, and, of course, the Passion.

If you aren't Catholic, you may be turned off by the "Catholic"-ness of the book.That has to be taken into consideration, however, since Gibson based the movie on the events in the Bible, illustrated by the Stations of the Cross, and the personal writings of Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich and Venerable Maria de Agreda.Though some of the things mentioned in this book go against most Protestant beliefs, this Catholic has to say that at least we can agree that Jesus did die for our sins and our salvation.

Recommended to Catholics who are looking for a good springboard to further their studies on the Passion and the Catholic Church in general.Also recommended to Protestants wanting to comprehend some of the Catholic symbolism in the film and any one interested in learning about the Passion.

Exchanging Careful Thnking for Mindless Apologetics
This is a great book for those who want to only "play around the edges" of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ and mistake a Hollywood blockbuster for authentic catechesis.If you simply want to "understand" the film without having to do the hard work of actually thinking about it, then this is the book for you.Filled with circular reasoning and inconsistent proof-texting, this book is a deceptive promotional tool that does not represent official Church teaching on the meaning and proper interpretation of the Passion story. The overwhelmingly predictable questions are set up for trite, facile answers.It will comfort and excite you if all you want is to be confirmed in your love of this troubled, troublesome film and of Gibson's own idiosyncratic Catholicism.But if you have real questions about the REAL thing, look elsewhere.For starters, try "The Bible, the Jews and the Death of Jesus," for a more sober and grounded look at how Catholics are to approach this precious story of our salvation.

Yes, I am a Catholic.I had an intensely ambivalent response to the film, neither loving nor hating it and being moved by many moments in it.But I have been deeply saddened by so much of the hoo-ha and hype surrounding it, especially the self-serving attitude of Christians, especially Catholics, who claim to love the teachings of the Church yet who make no attempt to find out what those teachings actually are (teachings which Mel Gibson categorically rejects), and who are often quite vicious in their response to other believers who raise serious questions about what Gibson is showing us.The film is a late-medieval Passion play that benefits from skillful direction and modern special effects.It is not "THE" teaching of the Church, but a high-quality work of devotional fiction.No problem with that!But let's call a spade a spade, shall we?How is Christ honored by the disingenuousness of the maxed-out defense of this film?Love the film; hate the film; be indifferent to it.But do not mistake it for what it is not, even when it seems that your case can be "proven" by things like this shallow, misleading book.

Perfect companion to a Religious Meditation on film
This movie simply put is a religious meditation on the Passion of our most Precious Lord. This book will bring you to a deeper understanding of the movie, so it is a very valuable resource. It is a wonderful investment & at a fair price!

What a Great Gift
This book makes a great gift for any body who is interested in the movie.It is easy to read and is sutable for any age group! ... Read more

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UK movie magazine. ... Read more