Senior communications major Eric Blackburn,
who attended a screening of The Passion of the Christ, sat down with Senior
Writer Paige Wassel to talk about the movie.
Q: What were the circumstances under which you were able to see the film?
A: While I was working on the set of Beauty Shop, another crew member who
is also Christian, asked me if I had heard about this film The Passion. He then
told me that a group of Christians in the film industry were being shown the
film, courtesy of Icon Productions, and asked if I would like to be a part of
it. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity.
Q: Is there anything surprising about the film?
A: The movie was a total surprise in every aspect! First, the subtitles
and language issue was not a problem. The film was so well acted that the
mannerisms and body language was enough to tell the story. In fact, early on in
the film, I found that there were just too many subtitles that I just focused on
the characters and tone of the film. Whoever is going to see this movie will
most likely be aware of the story of Christ and easily be able to follow along.
As someone planning on producing and directing film, I predict that The Passion
will lead the way to a new style of filmmaking. Mr. Gibson’s direction and the
cinematography of Caleb Deschanel make this film visually beautiful. But, what
pushes it over the edge is that Gibson has artistically portrayed the
theological and spiritual aspects involved in the last 12 hours of Christ.
Q: What is unique about this movie?
A: If there was ever a movie that could create a window in time, this is
that movie. I walked out of the theater thinking that this film will change the
way films can possibly be made. Mr. Gibson has created something visually that
can speak theologically, philosophically and spiritually.
On a personal level, this film made me rethink my own faith and spiritual life.
It made me put to picture what Christ really went through and what the people
around him questioned. I would encourage any Christian to see this film.
-Originally released in the January 29th edition of the Stampede