Will you go to Mel Gibson's new movie "Apocalypto" --

[Radio_Lady]

despite all of his recent problems? Has your opinion of Mel Gibson changed in any way? "Apocalypto" is now scheduled to open on December 8, 2006.



Plot Outline: As the Maya kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a young man chosen for sacrifice, flees the kingdom to avoid his fate.



Taglines for Apocalypto (2006)
When the end comes, not everyone is ready to go
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No one can outrun their destiny.

[NYCGirl]

1. No. It sounds crappy. I wouldn't have seen it even if his meltdown

didn't happen.

[Radio_Lady]

4. NYCGirl, did you see Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"?

[NYCGirl]

7. No, I didn't.

Edited to add: I'm not a big fan of what used to be called in Hollywood, "costume pictures." I'm much more a fan of smaller, character-driven films.

[truebrit71]

2. I wasn't planning to see it before his drunken outbursts...

...so it won't change much in my household...

[Radio_Lady]

10. Truebrit71, thanks for your comments. I appreciate it.

[IndependentVoice]

3. He may be an ass but the movie looks ok, I'll probably check it out n/t

[Radio_Lady]

25. Thanks, IndependentVoice.

I appreciate your comments.

[NVMojo]

88. Gibson likened some of the events at the time to the Bush admin so

I'll go based on that too.

[Radio_Lady]

111. Got you in the "Yes" column, NVMojo.

[cgrindley]

5. Yep

Although I might pay for something else and sneak in.

I usually see pretty much every movie as I write a bit of film criticism from time to time.

[Radio_Lady]

32. Welcome to the DU, cgrindley. Do you post your film criticism

anywhere?

Have you ever been caught "shifting" from one auditorium and one film -- to another? Is the purpose of that to not include your admission in the final count, or what??? Are you underage for an "R" movie? -- although this movie may not have been rated yet.

Once in a while, if a film is really bad, I will leave the screening and ask the manager if I can watch something else. But I wouldn't want to do this without approval.

In peace,

Radio_Lady (Movie reviewer in Oregon)

[cgrindley]

51. Me?

I'm an academic, so my works get published in books or film journals.

I can't remember if I did it for the Passion or not, but the goal is not to contribute to his box office. I might even be repeating someone else's joke.

I'm 40 so I haven't had to worry about sneaking in anywhere for quite a long time.

[gratuitous]

6. His recent antics?

You mean that wet fart he blew in Eric Cartman's face?

Seriously though, it doesn't really look like my kind of movie, so I probably wouldn't see Apocalypto regardless of who directed it.

[Radio_Lady]

20. Thanks Gratuitous. Maybe I'll change that word!

I wanted to say "problems" but I ran out of space in the subject line!

[gratuitous]

30. So long as you know I was kidding

I didn't see "Passion of the Christ," either, for much the same reason. From all appearances, the movie was not my cup of tea. I note, however, that at the time Passionmania was sweeping the land, I predicted that POTC would wind up in the same category as Titanic. A whole lot of people saw it in theatrical release, but nobody watches it anymore. I'd guess that POTC sales will perk up annually around Easter and Christmas, then flatline the rest of the year. And most of those sales will be evangelical types buying the movie for their unsaved friends.

[Radio_Lady]

35. Interesting observations. Thanks -- and...

I edited the original post.

[calimary]

78. I didn't see it, either. I knew how it ended, already, and I have an

aversion to seriously bloody films. I had friends who saw it and were jarred by the violence. Besides, this lifelong Catholic chose not to jump into the fray with all the religiosos and other fundie nutcases who were wrapping themselves around it as though it were a CRAPture ticket. I know the story. I know my feelings about it in my heart. Nobody has to preach it to me or rub my nose in it. It struck me much the same as a plane ride I had, sitting next to one of those born-again proselytizers who insisted I wasn't "saved" until I accepted his version of being saved. I told him I was baptized a Catholic in infancy and already believed. That wasn't good enough for him. I finally lied and did the hand-holding and the phony praying and other such crap just to get him to shut up. I took his phone number (and promptly threw it away) and gave him a fake one when he wouldn't leave me alone without taking mine. ASSHOLE. I'm saved ALREADY. I'm not interested in your version of it. Leave me alone! I feel the same about the "Passion of the Christ." Interesting idea, interestingly pursued (with the Aramaic and all) but too violent - I just had no interest in seeing it. They'll play parts of it in various churches during Holy Week, I'm sure.


Oh, and as to your question, Radio Lady, I doubt I'll see it. Human sacrifice? Oh yummy. More blood and gore. Thanks but no thanks. We hardly ever get out to the movies as it is, and if we did go, I'd head for some mindless comedy or maybe "The Devil Wears Prada" if it's still playing.

[Radio_Lady]

82. "The Devil Wears Prada" is lots of fun. My husband says that

"Apocalypto" will probably have a scene where some Mayan cuts out a beating heart from an adversary or a human sacrifice. Yikes! I'd have to put my hands in front of my eyes.

But then, Michael Mann's movie "The Last of the Mohicans" from 1992 -- had a scene like that. We just rented the tape this week.

[Balbus]

8. If I have to read subtitles, then no.

[Radio_Lady]

26. I think he is going to use a Mayan dialect, as he used ancient Aramaic in

"The Passion of the Christ" -- did you see that film?

[Balbus]

40. Yes, I did see it and was distracted by not being able to understand

what was being said without reading it. I'm just not a big fan of subtitles. Only one foreign-language movie have I seen that I really enjoyed and that was "City of God."

[Radio_Lady]

52. We watch so many foreign movies that I'm used to subtitles by now.

Due to my husband's slight hearing loss, we put on captioning even on English language movies here at home. They are especially needed in some British, Australian, Welsh, or Irish movies!

I believe captioning "G" or "PG" films also helps my young grandchildren learn how to read!

[TahitiNut]

81. Same here. My peripheral vision has been aided

... as has my ability to integrate these elements into my attention/concentration. I've gotten so accustomed to subtitles that it's sometimes difficult to remember (for example) that Audrey Tautou wasn't speaking English in "Amélie," a film I wholly enjoyed. I hate dubbing ... the expression is lost.

Oh ... I wouldn't go watch "Apocalypto" if it were the only film in town. I'd rather sit in a downtown Detroit Emergency Receiving lobby on a Saturday night and get off on the carnage.

[Radio_Lady]

83. Audrey Tatou wasn't speaking English in "The Da Vinci Code."

She was SUPPOSED to be speaking English, but her accent was so heavy that I had a hard time understanding her.

Bloody Detroit, huh? I think you could go to any emergency room and have those scenes. Didn't one of the cable channels have a TRAUMA program -- real life trauma cases? I think it was on TLC or another channel.

[geardaddy]

9. No

His recent "antics" have not changed my mind about seeing any of his movies. I stopped seeing his movies after he made "The Patriot," which sucked and was propaganda.

[Radio_Lady]

53. Who do you call "The Patriot" propaganda?

[geardaddy]

62. Maybe propaganda is a bit strong.

I thought it seemed like he did poor research on the history of the Revolution.

[Radio_Lady]

65. I understand.

[Touchdown]

159. Gibson didn't make "The Patriot"

He just acted in it. Devlin/Emmerich (Independance Day, Day After Tomorrow, Godzilla, Stargate, Eight Legged Freaks) produced, directed, and backed the film. Mel was just an actor in that one. It was bad, and jingoistic, as well as looks like a film Gibson would've directed, but blame him for something he was responsible for. Sometimes an actor is just an actor, with no other influence in the project he's starring in.

[geardaddy]

170. Oh,

I was under the impression that he produced it as well.

[sgxnk]

11. assuming he apologizes

which apparently he did, i would see it if it was good (if the reviewers i trust gave it good reviews)

the only director that i have problems seeing their movies (paying for them) is roman polanski

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

13. I'd rather watch a Roman Polanski film.

[sgxnk]

21. he makes better films

in general

but he is also a person who drugged and raped a defenseless child

and then fled the country to escape prosecution

boycotting roman polanski is entirely justified

i find it kinda disgusting that hollywood actors still act in his movies and that he is such a hero at cannes

he is a brilliant director, but he is such a piece of garbage

[Scurrilous]

28. * snarf *

Roman Polanski awarded for life's work at J'lem Film Festival

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150885959430&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[calico1]

12. My opinion of Mel Gibson has not changed.

I have thought him to be a total ass for some years now. I will pass on the movie.

[Radio_Lady]

67. I'll put that down as a "pass." Thanks for responding.

Interesting blog entry here:

http://www.partyinyourhonor.com/party_in_your_honor/2005/10/index.html

[eShirl]

14. I intend to see the movie, yes.

My personal opinion of Gibson hasn't changed; I still rank him as being about as pleasant as an Eggs Benedict fart. For that reason I won't be seeing any movies where he has a role in front of the camera.

[hlthe2b]

15. I suspect this is going to be another "VIOLENCE fest"

So, probably not....

I was never able to get through Braveheart when I rented it, for that reason...

[Radio_Lady]

54. You could be right. He's certainly known for that by now.

[BuhByeChimp]

16. Depends on the reviews.

If its a good movie I will watch it.

[Radio_Lady]

55. Which reviewers do you read -- and trust? Anyone in particular?

[BuhByeChimp]

158. I use yahoo

to get my reviews.

I trust user reviews the most, but compare the averages of both the professionals and users.

[Joanne98]

17. No! It sounds like the christian version of what happened to the

Mayans. Stupid.

[Ediacara]

24. it's supposed to take place in about AD 900-1000 or so

at the time of the actual decline of the Maya and long before Europeans arrived in Mexico.

[eShirl]

39. I'm actually interested in that

after reading how much they are recovering of the history since deciphering the glyphs.

[Synnical]

33. That's exactly what it sounds like

Tag line from official home page:

When The End Comes, Not Everyone Is Ready To Go

http://apocalypto.movies.go.com/

Pass.

[Radio_Lady]

64. Not much going on at that website as of now. Thanks for the link.

[Ediacara]

18. I had wanted to, it looked really interesting

but now.... I doubt it.

[Radio_Lady]

68. Are you attributing your change of position to his recent DUI, and

the aftermath?

[Ediacara]

116. I always thought he was something of a loon

and this recent nonsense is what broke the camel's back so to speak. Similar to Tom Cruise's shenanagans concerning South Park broke the camel's back and made me resolute about boycotting him, even though he was just as much of a loon before then.

[geardaddy]

19. The movie itself looks

like it's going to be another propaganda film for how bad non-Christian religions are. I can't imagine that the Mayans will be portrayed well by Gibson.

[Radio_Lady]

66. Do you plan to see it, or not?

[geardaddy]

136. No, I do not.

I admit would like to see a movie about Meso-American history, but the fact that I haven't liked any of the historical movies by Gibson, I have no desire to see it.

[LanternWaste]

22. I'm not suggesting he's a "great" film maker...

I think so. Gibson's become a rather serious guy when it comes to the subject matter of his films these days. While I'm not suggesting he's a "great" film maker by any means, he does appear to be rejecting the "24 explosions, 12 boob shots, 7 variations on old bathroom humor and 1 love-story" script that so many other director/producers hold as Absolute.

And besides, if I couldn't divorce the art from the artist, I'd be one VERY bored guy...

[Dhalgren]

29. I agree. I will see or not see the film based upon the film's merit,

not something Gibson did or did not do. The film, as with all art, will stand or fall on its own...

[eShirl]

31. so true...

"if I couldn't divorce the art from the artist, I'd be one VERY bored guy..."

[Radio_Lady]

70. Any other directors come to mind when you think of people whose

personal life and viewpoints -- somehow interfered with their cinematic art?

I wondered a few days ago about Woody Allen's new movie, "Scoop" -- which earned less than average reviews. His checkered past may have contributed to a slide in popularity.

A topic for another day.

[Fleshdancer]

23. I wish I did want to see it so that it felt more like a ban

but I wasn't interested in seeing this movie before he made his bigoted statements to begin with.

[Radio_Lady]

73. Gloria Smith, I'll put you in the "pass" column.

[enuffs_enuffs]

27. Prefer to not encourage him in any way.

The run up to that Passion flick rather made me want to puke.

Braveheart was simply entertaining, historically revolting.

If he does another Mad Maxx... That I'll be willing to see.

[Radio_Lady]

74. One plus for Gibson action. One minus for Gibson historical.

I'd like to see another Mad Maxx movie, too! Probably isn't going to happen, d'ya think?

[enuffs_enuffs]

117. Not unless he REALLY needs another vehicle to kick start a dead career.

[Touchdown]

162. Gibson "action"??? More like leather daddy spanking fantasy,

He and Miller (Director) need to fess up once and for all. That the Mad Maxes (especially #2 Road Warrior) is a gay leather queen's nightmare erotic fantasy.

[bluedog]

34. maybe.depends

I'm not following the manta the media has been sprewing out today.....
funny they never noticed when bush is drunk and can't shut his mouth or walk down aflight of stairs......

[Radio_Lady]

75. On what does it depend?

[gilpo]

36. It would be impossible for my opinion of Mel to get any lower....

so, no.

[Radio_Lady]

76. Got it. Thanks for your reply.

[in_cog_ni_to]

37. Nope. He's been on my blacklist for YEARS. n/t

[Radio_Lady]

77. OK. Your post is appreciated, Incognito!

[DistressedAmerican]

38. DAMMIT, DAMMIT, DAMMIT!

Someone finally makes a Maya movie (I'm a Mayan archaeologist if you didn't know) and it is that fuck.

I hate you Mel!

The positive I can report is that I know the guy working as his consultant, Dr. Richard Hansen. He is an outstanding archaeologist and has been working hard to keep it accurate. Although it is hard to say how much that matters to the Mel's of the world.

Hell, I do not know! I work in small Yucatec villages all the time. I love the idea of a movie in Yucatec. Why fucking Mel???

I guess to answer your question, I do not know. Probabably but, I will hate myself for it. Especially of it turns out to be sensationalized crap.

[Radio_Lady]

85. If you do see the movie, I'd love to get your reaction. I'll have to

look up Dr. Richard Hansen. Does he post on the Internet?

[semillama]

154. I'm an archaeologist too

although not a Mayanist. I'm going to see it just because I've been waiting to see a reconstruction of the mayan civilization using modern hollywood special effects. I figure that Dr. Hansen might at least keep the visuals honest, and that's all I expect. I already know going in that it's going to suffer from multiple instances of historical inaccuracies and things out of context. Oh well.

If I wasn't previously interested in Mesoamerican civilizations, I probably would have no interest in this film.

[NoSheep]

179. You sound......Distressed ;-)

[idgiehkt]

41. only if it relates the human sacrifice of Jesus to Mayan sacrifice

and defines both as archetypal human behavior that seems to repeat in many ancient cultures, making it therefore genetic, instinctive behavior and thus completely invalidating the 'specialness' of Jesus Christ himself.

So, in a word, no.

[eShirl]

44. what if it's an allegory for today's apocalyptic Rapture Ready freaks?

and how destructive that sort of thing can be to civilization

[idgiehkt]

59. I don't believe it.

I don't believe that Gibson doesn't believe that, he just thinks that Bush isn't 'the chosen one'.

[arcane1]

42. it's a fascinating topic for me...

but I wish someone else had done the movie :(

[Frank Cannon]

43. It has the stupidest title of any movie in recent film history

"Apocalypto"? You gotta be kidding me.

Other possible titles Mel could've chosen, but didn't:

"Mayanorama"
"Extinctabus"
"Centroamerico"
"Mayagnificus"
"Armageddonoutahere"
"Sacrificiofragilisticexpialidocious".

Any one would be as good or better than "Apocalypto".

And while we're on the subject, didn't the Fantastic Four defeat Apocalypto, with the help of the Silver Surfer and the Watcher?

[eShirl]

45. I don't think there will be any Conquistadors in it

unless they have mastered time travel.

[Frank Cannon]

46. I have no idea what this movie is about

And I have no plans to see it. The title alone is stupidity enough.

[eShirl]

47. ah.

[Frank Cannon]

48. I was under the influence of the liberal myth that all...

mesoamerican cultures were wiped out by the invading Anglo hordes. I now see that the Mayan culture perished several centuries before that happened.

I stand corrected. Thank you for pointing out my error. This is why I love DU.

But the title of the movie is still egregiously stupid. You can't dispute that.

[Radio_Lady]

90. Interesting reading here if you wish:

http://www.aztlan.net/apocalypto.htm

"APOCALYPTO": Gibson's next film and the Mayan year 2012

by Hector Carreon
La Voz de Aztlan

Los Angeles, Alta California - August 22, 2005 - (ACN) After producing and directing the most successful independent film of all time, "The Passion of the Christ", Mel Gibson is today preparing to film, in Mexico, what promises to be yet another blockbuster titled "Apocalypto". Though the script of the film is being kept "top secret", there is no question what the film will be about. The title "Apocalypto" which in Greek means "an unveiling and a new beginning" and the fact that the film will revolve around the ancient, highly evolved and mysterious Mayan civilization, gives away the theme and content of the film. "Apocalypto" will be filmed entirely in the Mayan language and the cast will consist of local indigenous Mayan actors.

Mel Gibson filming "Apocalypto" in Mexico. The actor/director has great esteem for Mexico.
La Voz de Aztlan's article, "The next Pope may be the last", we believe outlines closely what the contents of "Apocalypto" will be. Published on April 4, 2005, the article describes the highly accurate Mayan Calendar and the Mayan Popol Vuh's (Mayan Bible) concept of the "Fin de los Tiempos" (End of Time). The Mayas were a much advanced people. They were superb mathematicians and astronomers who devised one of the most accurate calendars known to man, far more accurate than the modern Gregorian calendar. The Mayan Calendar was devised through extremely accurate observations of the sun, the planets, the stars and the Milky Way galaxy. Mayan astronomers knew, through yet unknown methods, the exact location of the center of the Milky Way and attached great meaning to the birth and death of stars at this center.

The Mayas, in addition, possessed the required knowledge concerning the "Precession of the Equinoxes" that is necessary to create an accurate calendar. There is no question that the Mayas viewed time differently than Western man. Their magnificent pyramids were perfectly aligned to the sun and the one at Chichenitza was constructed in such a way that during the equinoxes, the setting sun casts a shadow of a serpent (Kukulcan/Quetzalcoatl/Jesus Christ) descending on the northern steps of the pyramid. This effect could only be obtained by extremely precise architectural and astronomical measurements.

The Maya's astronomical knowledge was inherited from even an older and more mysterious civilization at Teotihuacan near Mexico City which contains the famous Pyramid of the Sun and of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is perfectly aligned with the star cluster called the Pleiades which the Egyptians also took into account in building their pyramids at Giza. There is a connection between the ancient religious beliefs of the Sumerians, the Egyptians and the Mayas, especially as they relate to the creation of the universe, of the human race and of the future.

MORE AT LINK ABOVE **********

[geardaddy]

50. Or "Raptur-tidy-doo-dah"?

[Red Right and BLUE]

56. LOL! n/t

[Radio_Lady]

86. LOL. I like your alternative titles, Frank. Especially the last one.

Was Apocalypto a comic character?

Interesting background on the name subject -- from Wikipedia:

* The title Apocalypto is a Greek verb (αποκαλύπτω) meaning "I reveal." The word "Apocalypse," Greek "Αποκάλυψις," which means "Revelation," is derived from this Greek verb, but the movie is not religiously themed or connected to the biblical Apocalypse.
* Although Mel Gibson does not star in the film, he does have a one frame cameo about 1:46 seconds into the first teaser trailer.<1>
* The film is allegedly inspired by the text of the Popol Vuh (sometimes called the Maya Bible) and Spanish missionary descriptions of the Maya.

[NVMojo]

93. glad you posted this, Radio Lady. I read this a few months back

and it added to my decision to see the movie. All the arm chair anonymous judges out in internet land haven't convinced me that I need to condemn Mel and his work to hell yet.

[Posteritatis]

148. "Planet of the Green Amazon Women" wins that title... (n/t)

[Touchdown]

163. Bah! Teenage Nymphos in Zombietown is better.

:crazy:

[Posteritatis]

164. Exactly: better, not worse. ;) (nt)

[Frank Cannon]

171. Nope. "Planet of the Green Amazon Women" is sheer poetry

compared to the monumentally stupid "Apocalypto".

Apocalypto sounds like a fourth-tier comic-book villain that Superman vanquished in the October, 1968 Action Comics.

[Radio_Lady]

176. The first time I heard the name, it sounded like a kind of a drink or

a new dance.

[bikebloke]

49. I'll wait for the DVD (like with all films)

By then there'll be plenty of reviews (pro and regular folk) for making a decision.

[Radio_Lady]

92. Not much of a moviegoer, Bike Bloke? DVD it is...

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

57. My Opinion Of Him Has Changed As A Person, Not As A Movie Star.

He's still one of my fav's as far as actors go, and I'd still be willing to see any movie by him or with him in it that appears interesting.

[Radio_Lady]

95. Operation Mind Crime, thanks for your post.

Buzz says he appears in one frame of one of the movie's trailers.

I guess that's about the shortest cameo in history!

[AZBlue]

58. Wasn't going to see it before, now I'm definitely not.

I put Mel Gibson in the same category as Tom Cruise - had a little too much of the spiked punch and crossed the line a while ago. I won't support either one. It's the public that's in charge of these people's careers and when they go this far, I'm one member of the public who will no longer support them. I know...you'll say they have free speech to say what they want. And you're right. But, I also have the freedom not to listen to them. And, if enough of the public feels like me, in a few years, they won't be making movies anymore. And, if they should still be here in a few years, then I'm in the minority - but I still won't go. ;-)

[Radio_Lady]

96. I've checked you off as a "Pass," AZBlue. Thanks for the post.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

60. I'll do the DVD...

It's a subject that interests me. I'm not going to let the politics of one piece of a movie (although a large piece) interfere with my enjoyment of a movie.

I won't "Dixie Chick" anyone.

[Radio_Lady]

97. OK, Tom. Give us a review when you get to see it -- thanks!

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

101. With the current attitude towards Gibson, I'll probably only have to wait

a week after release to see the DVD.

[Radio_Lady]

106. Hard to tell. The movie might have more "legs" than you think.

Or not.

We'll see...

My father, a lawyer and politician, used to say (about negative publicity), "As long as they spell my name right."

Thanks for the post.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

114. You're welcome! Here's one of mine if you're so inclined...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1794093

[progressivebydesign]

61. Mel's a hack. He's insane and I have no interest in his work. n/t

[Radio_Lady]

98. You won't be going, then. Thanks, progressive by design...

[QuestionAll...]

63. I might check it out - looks interesting. nt

[Radio_Lady]

99. Thanks, QuestionAll. Did you see "The Passion of the Christ"?

[QuestionAll...]

131. Yes I did.

Here is what I said from another posting here:

Couldn't figure out anything about it turning people anti-semite because of it. I suppose if you're one already you'd find something.

The gore was a bit much to take, I must say, but also must say those Friday the 13th or Hallowe'en movies assault my senses in more horrible ways. I suspect Gibson wanted the reality to sink in on the long suffering (no fast clips and on with the 'plot', suffering is the plot, long drawn out like in real life torture, hard to take for the viewer? try being the victim without a fast forward on your remote)

I found that the aramic language was beautiful, so sadly beautiful in a resigned kind of way, especially when Jesus said (para): 'Dad, I don't want to do this, please don't make me' in the Garden of Olives.

And I felt such sorrow for Judas, he was a player needed and used - set up for events to unfold how they had to. I'll never hear the term 'judas' in quite the same way ever again.

[Neshanic]

69. Seeing muscular half naked men...possibly.

[Radio_Lady]

104. Not happy with the regular Chippendales, Neshanic?

[tinfoilinfor2005]

71. Oh, no wonder he's panicking...he's got a movie coming out soon.

I hadn't heard that up until now.

I don't know...depends on the reviews. A shitload of people besides old Mel make their living in films, including this one. No reason to make them pay for his asinine behavior.

[Radio_Lady]

107. You make an excellent point there. Thanks for posting.

[Crewleader]

72. Yes

.

[Radio_Lady]

108. So noted, Crewleader. Appreciate your post.

[foreigncorrespondent]

79. Nope!

I have no desire to see anything that homophobic bigot has anything to do with.

In fact next time Sapph is here I just may sit down with all the old videos (purchased before I realized what type of jerk he was) I have of his and burn the lot. That would make a nice cleansing I think.

[Radio_Lady]

110. Donate them to a liberal library somewhere? Burning them smacks of

Nazism.

Besides, burning contributes to global warming!

Just sayin'...

[readmoreoften]

80. Watch Mel Gibson rape Mayan culture for Hollywood & Christianity.

FUCK NO. A Christian RWer Writing about the Mayan Apocalyse? NO. NO. NO. and NO.

Hey Mel, go write Passion of the Christ, Part II: THE REVENGE

You fuck.

[Radio_Lady]

112. Got you in the "No" column -- thanks for posting.

[Strelnikov_]

84. Yes. Diamonds 'Collapse' Brought To The Big Screen

My understanding is that the movie is about collapse due to climate change and resource depletion, and the degree to which those in power will go to maintain the status quo.

Not that it could ever happen again . . .


As our fifth strand, we have to wonder why the kings and nobles failed to recognize and solve these seemingly obvious problems undermining their society. Their attention was evidently focused on their short-term concerns of enriching themselves, waging wars, erecting monuments, competing with each other, and extracting enough food from the human peasants to support all those activities. Like most leaders throughout human history, the Maya kings and nobles did not heed long-term problems, insofar as they perceived them.

. . .

Like Easter Island chiefs erecting ever larger statues, eventually crowned by pukao, and like Anasazi elites treating themselves to necklaces of 2000 turquoise beads, Maya kings sought to outdo each other with more and more impressive temples, covered with thicker and thicker plaster, reminiscent in turn of the extravagant conspicuous consumption by modern American CEO's. The passivity of Easter chiefs and Maya kings in the face of the real big threats to their societies completes our list of disquieting parallels.

From Chapt. 5, 'The Maya Collapses', from 'Collapse: How Societies Choose To Fail Or Succeed’ by Jared Diamond

[Radio_Lady]

177. Conspicuous consumption, indeed.

[NVMojo]

87. yes, this time frame he covers in the film is fascinating, especially

the Mayan calendar stuff.

[Radio_Lady]

121. It's one gorgeous calendar -- (PHOTO)

[Neshanic]

89. For the product placement. Notice the Starbucks on temple ground floor.

[Radio_Lady]

174. Funny. LOL!

[Flying Dream Blues]

91. No. I was offended by his tirade and wouldn't want to give him

a dime, and besides my feelings would interfere with being able to watch the movie and believe his character.

[Fountain79]

102. Did you have the same opinion of Roman Polanski? n/t

[Flying Dream Blues]

151. When that scandal erupted, I was too young to decide to go or

not go to his movies. Since I've been an adult, no, I haven't seen any of his movies.

I won't go see any more of Tom Cruise's movies, either. I just think he's an ass and don't want to watch him anymore.

[sweetheart]

94. send him to scotland!!!

This statue needs to be taken down, as it is a man who burned a lot of people out of
their homes and perpetrated an ethnic cleansing... but then the plinth will be empty!



But the county of sutherland could hire mel gibson to be the replacement.

He could stand there in sunny weather in a kilt for free tipple at the local pub
and surely spend his retirement wishing it were 'he' doing all those clearances.

[Radio_Lady]

119. Hello, Sweetheart. This is the backstory on the Duke of Sutherland:

http://www.golspie.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=43

[sweetheart]

122. ethnic cleansing

"The inhuman eviction of thousands of people from their homes to achieve the land improvements."

His dedication to land improvements meant that the victorians realized that the highlands
were good for sheep, and they drove all the people off, "improvements" indeed... but
the americas benefitted from the diaspora.

Anytime you meet a person named "mackay", thank that duke of sutherland, as the person
likely would not be meeting you without his work.

[Radio_Lady]

125. We heard this history when we were on the Northern Highlands tour

in Scotland a few years ago.

Thank you for posting.

[jpgray]

100. If it's a good movie

T S Eliot was mostly a douchebag when it comes to literary opinion and political thinking, but I'll still read his stuff.

[Radio_Lady]

120. How will you decide if it's "good" or not?

[jpgray]

123. The opinions of those who see it?

[Radio_Lady]

124. Sure. Whose opinions influence you on movies? Critics? The public?

Will you talk about it with friends?

[Swamp Rat]

103. Another movie by that Jew-hating B actor who is an even worse director

that rewrites history? Nope. :)

[Radio_Lady]

118. That's quite a photoshop job! Pretty scary! Thanks for posting it.

[Jazzgirl]

105. My opinion hasn't changed.

I thought he was an idiot before and still do. }(

[Radio_Lady]

126. So, MG won't be seeing any of YOUR cash, Jazzgirl? Thanks a bunch.

[OzarkDem]

109. Right wing nuttery is so passe

The public has had their fill.

[Radio_Lady]

129. So... you won't be going, right?

[Radioactive]

113. Yes I would go and see his new movie

Not because I agree with his political views, not because he said anti-semitic remarks while drunk but because he is a great movie director. He's also apologized for his actions so I think we should accept that and forgive him.

[Radio_Lady]

127. The film is scheduled to open December 8th, Radioactive.

[Radio_Lady]

128. Perhaps you'll touch base with me again then?

[Beelzebud]

115. I don't see movies at the theatre, but I'll watch the DVD.

I'm not one of those people that won't watch a movie because someone thinks things differently than me. Birth of a Nation exluded, I don't care what anyone says, I won't watch that racist crap.

[Radio_Lady]

130. Another checkmark for DVD. Thanks, Beelzebud!

[Disturbed]

135. No!

His films are too simplistic and sado masochistic. He can be humorous and charming but underneath he is not as nice as he portrays. He is an actor that can put on a show. He got drunk and showed the world what he is behind his act. He is homophobic, anti-Jewish and has little respect for woman. Why anyone likes him is a mystery unless they are of the similar mindset as he is.

[Radio_Lady]

137. Thanks, Disturbed. Wonder what his wife thinks when she sees him

partying with -- other women?

I assume those people shown in today's photo release were other women -- some look pretty young.

[TheFarseer]

132. What, no poll?

There's a good chance I will go see it. I think it's an interesting topic and Mel Gibson is a talented Actor/Director.

[Radio_Lady]

140. No polls. I'll mark you down as a "yes."

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

133. Yeah, I think it looks pretty cool.

Mel Gibson's an asshole, but the movie still looks interesting.

I could be spending my money is more evil ways, like Walmart.

[B Calm]

134. I will not Dixie Chick Mel Gibson just because I don't agree with

his views. Hell, he's a damn good actor and I like his movies!

[oc2002]

142. agreed,

nt.

[warrens]

138. If it's good. I like the subject matter

But, as always, I wait for the reviews before I make decisions about what to see. There are too many lousy movies out there and one thing I really HATE is being duped into seeing crap. Not that believing reviews is foolproof; I actually wasted $20 taking the kid to see Prairie Home Companion, one of the worst movies ever. Meryl Streep was, as usual, really good, but everything else REALLY SUCKED.

[shadowknows69]

139. Possibly

I do find the subject matter fascinating and I do think Mel is a talented visual director. I've paid 8 bucks for movies from worse directors.

[Radio_Lady]

144. Succinct quote from LA Biz Observed

Morning headlines -- More Mel coverage:

The Los Angeles Times manages to get a few prominent Hollywood executives to condemn Gibson's behavior. Best quote came from producer Arnon Milchan: "To make all of your money from Jews" and then "say you hate Jews is shocking." LAT, NYT.

http://www.laobserved.com/biz/

[Radio_Lady]

141. UPDATE: 8/1/06 Disney cancels Mel Gibson's Holocaust miniseries

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1153292049399&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Disney's ABC television network has dropped plans to produce a Holocaust-themed miniseries, originally supposed to be created in collaboration with Mel Gibson.

The news came just days after Gibson was arrested for drunk driving and accused of launching an anti-Jewish tirade.

Hope Hartman, a spokeswoman for the network, said the cancelled series was unrelated to the new scandal. She was quoted in the New York Times saying, "Given that it's been nearly two years and we have yet to see the first draft of a script, we have decided to no longer pursue this project with Icon," referring to Gibson's production company.

Gibson's statements led to heavy criticism, including arguments that he should be prevented from producing the Jewish themed series, even though he issued an apology for his remarks.

[Radio_Lady]

143. The cancellation may be "unrelated" to recent events --

-- but the timing is certainly suspect, isn't it?

[otohara]

145. I'm Interested Ancient Maya's

so yes, if it gets decent reviews.

[Radio_Lady]

146. Have there ever been any other movies on this theme?

If so, they certainly weren't in the Mayan language!

[Subdivisions]

155. I don't go to the movies usually because...

There is no imagination in feature movies these days and Apocalypto looks good. I am very interested in ancient civilizations and I think there is plenty of history that would make for good movies. But most, I think, would be cost prohibitive considering the scale of the events I have in mind.

As for Gibson, I can't judge him, though I don't condone his apparent subconscious feelings with regards to Jewish people.

I can't judge him though because that would be hypocritical of me. After all, I've been drunk, I've driven drunk (though never caught; my drinking days are long gone), and I've said things when drunk that I truly do not feel when sober. Alcohol can speak, unfortunately sometimes it says something that gets you into big trouble be it with your spouse or a family member or a police officer or a culture.

I still haven't seen Passion because it just isn't pertinent to my life. I have an image of Christ honed over 42 years playing like a movie of it's own in my mind and I don't need Mel Gibson, or anyone else, to tarnish that image.

As for Apocalypto, it looks very interesting and unique and different. That is why I will see it, not because of who is responsible for making it.

[Radio_Lady]

178. I surmise you will eventually see this film, correct? Thanks for

your interesting observations.

[Radio_Lady]

147. Rudy Youngblood, the star of "Apocalypto" -- has his own website.

http://www.rudyyoungblood.com/

[WinkyDink]

149. No, but because MG REVELS in depicting gory, bloody scenes.

He's a weirdo sadist, IMHO.

[Radio_Lady]

169. Got it, Winky Dink. Thanks.

[breakaleg]

150. If you are asking if I would boycott his moves based on is actions - no.

if you are asking about this particular movie, I know nothing about it, so I'll decide when it's released.

[KharmaTrain]

152. I'll Wait For The Remake...

I'm curious about Mayan culture, but not through the eyes of a man who has shown he prefers blood to a good story line, as I saw in Braveheart.

One good thing about Hollywood is that a script never dies...15 or 20 years from now someone will pick it up or the plot and see if they can strike gold with it.

Hi, Radio Lady...LTNS...Hope all is good...

:hi:

[Radio_Lady]

166. ...if there really IS a remake.

Hi Kharma Train -- WASSUP? Going off to Canada soon -- but nursing a cold today. Blah....

[LWolf]

153. Pass.

My opinion has changed a little; not because of his recent problems. I lost whatever appreciation I may have had previously over "Passion." I don't like the idea of using film entertainment as religious propaganda, and that's the way I interpreted the marketing of that movie.

The plot for the current movie under discussion seems like more of the same to me; I'm suspicious. The plot doesn't seem to revolve around the math, the science, the advances of the civilization portrayed, but the religious sacrifices. I suspect it is an indictment against "non-christian" religion. I could be wrong, of course.

Perhaps Gibson just has some sort of obsessive/compulsive fetish surrounding sacrifices, that he wants to make another movie with sacrifice as a central part of the plot.

[Radio_Lady]

168. I can only think he has deviated from some kind of normal path --

not sure what that could be. You're right about the bloodshed -- it certainly reigns supreme in Mel Gibson's most recent works.

[FlaGranny]

156. I've never let

an actor's personal problems interfere with whether I would watch a movie he or she was in. If a movie seems to be one I'd like, I'll watch it. At the end of each movie hundreds of credits are run listing people most of whom I never heard of. Any one of them might be a sinner or a saint. The fascination with celebrities seems rather weird to me. Anyway, this particular film looks to be the type of film I enjoy and for that reason I'll probably watch it. It makes no difference to me whether critics like a film, either, because more often than not, I am in complete disagreement with most critics.

[Cleita]

157. I don't go to movies but I probably will see it on DVD or PPV.

I have seen movies by many actors whose personal lives or attitudes I don't approve of. It has nothing to do with the entertainment value of a movie. A lot of people work on these projects, not just one actor. Are we going to condemn them all because of Gibson?

[survivor999]

160. Absolutely.

I'll probably pay $9.50 to see it on the day it comes out. It sounds cool.

[ShaniqaPie]

167. Opening Day

Paranoid ruler of collapsing society plays on his subjects' fears and oppresses them in bizarre ways. Based on Gibson's contempt for Gearge Bush. What's not to like?

I've got a thing for movies with subtitles too. The psychology of seeing it and a week later, you could swear they were speaking English. That's just me.

S.

[survivor999]

173. True... Same phenomenon...

I remember them speaking in English... :)

[SaveElmer]

161. Depends on reviews...it looks interesting...

And there is no doubt about Gibson's talent as a film maker...at least in my mind.

[jollyreaper2112]

165. maybe :)

Depends on how the reviews are. I thought Braveheart was excellent. The Patriot was written by the same guy, Mel was the lead in both, and it stunk to high heaven. But I'm a sucker for wild period pieces and I don't think Hollyweird has ever tackled this period in history. Well, aside from the Emperor's New Groove.

Mel is a crazy christofascist bigot but he hires good people to help make his films. I thought the Passion was far, far too bloody in a sick fashion but the set design, costuming, and cinematography were excellent, it felt like being transported back in time. Looking at that film, I had this total wish that they'd move on to make I CLAVDIVS next. :)

With regards to jew-hating artists, a friend of mine had this story from his time in a formal music school. The head of his department was this old jewish guy who smoked like a chimney and had a voice that makes harvey firestein sound like bing crosby. Anyway, they're attending a performance of a Wagner opera. The department head really enjoyed the production. "Such beautiful music. It's almost enough to make you forget the Holocaust."

Heh. The guy must have been a total trip. There was another time where my friend wished the guy a happy bday. "Fuck you! Wishing a 75 year old man a happy birthday, rubbing it in. FUCK YOU!"

Another good story, the prim and proper choral instructor. The guy has that perfect fussy but reserved attitude you expect from gay british museum curators. They're doing some piece but a famous guy whose name I forget. It was titled "Comes the Lady." The performers were going through the piece too quickly. "Slower, gentlemen, slower," he says. "You want her to come, don't you?"

[cynatnite]

172. It didn't sound that interesting to begin with...

Maybe when it comes out on video I might depending on what's said about it.

[dogday]

175. Will he be sober in the movie?

I don't give a rat's ass about what he did, if it is a good movie, I will watch it.. If it is a piece of crap, I won't, that simple....

[Radio_Lady]

180. Dogday, the film is in post-production. As far as I know, MG does not

appear in the film itself. There is a buzz on the Internet that he appears in only ONE frame of the current trailer for the movie.

The shortest cameo in film history?

[MrCoffee]

181. Will there be self-aggrandizing profile shots of Mel?

If so, count me in!

[AlCzervik]

182. i hadn't planned to see it because honestly the storyline doesn't really

look like my kind of movie. I'm not a big fan of Mel movies after the Mad Max series although i did enjoy the huge battle scenes in Brave heart. I will say if it's on HBO next year and i'm home and nothing else is on i might watch it, i obviously didn't take away a big enough lesson from doing the same thing with "Water world", i still hold myself in contempt for watching that.

[Moloch]

183. I have never been a fan of Gibson (even before the incident)

but I have been interested in Mayan culture for quite a while, and do plan to see Apocalyptico.