By Abi Smith
Nowhere in “Revelation” does the Bible portend Jesus’ second coming at the 77th annual Academy Awards. But Sofia Coppola could be right; some things do get “Lost in Translation.” It seems, though, that as he sits on the right hand of the Father, Jesus is worried about much more than winning a golden trophy. But, apparently not.
When Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” opened, church buses lined movie theater parking lots, believers hailing from this campus and beyond couldn’t wait to buy tickets, and ministers far and wide jumped at the opportunity to evangelize. Those who supported the film through its controversial run defended it as an homage to the ultimate sacrifice. They talked about how much closer to God they felt after watching it, and many left the nation’s cineplexes in tears. For them, the experience was less about entertainment and more about religious or spiritual rebirth.
But now, it’s all about the Oscars!
When this year’s nominees were announced, some of the more virulent “Passion” faithful were angry; they’d wanted the movie to fall divinely into a Best Picture-contention slot. This is understandable; the film was one of 2004’s highest grossing. The problem here, though, is that the displeasure extends beyond the normal disappointment felt when one’s favorite flick – like, say, “Dude, Where’s My Car?” – doesn’t get its due.
According to CNN.com, Jennifer Giroux, an ally of seethepassion.com, lamented, “Hollywood has spoken. ‘Don’t mess with us,’ is what they’re saying. ‘Don’t mess with us because we will not consider your talent if you do anything that is Christian.’”
How strange that those who argue that Hollywood is the standard-bearer for sin and woefully out-of-step liberal politics would really care what the Academy thinks about Jesus movies. So much for set-in-stone Christian values.
Interestingly, Giroux and others who echo her sentiment conveniently ignore some glaring facts: GOP whipping-boy Michael Moore deliberately removed “Fahrenheit 9/11” from Best Documentary consideration to have a better shot for a Best Picture nod. The “Passion” received nominations in the makeup, cinematography and musical score categories. Moore got nothing.
More importantly, though, if honoring Christ’s last hours were indeed the movie’s sole purpose – as Gibson has steadfastly and admirably maintained – then award ceremonies should mean nothing. Jesus wept, but not at the thought of losing to “The Aviator.”
In sum, the “Passion” Oscar battle is dumb when placed in perspective. With tsunami deaths still being counted and body bags in Iraq steadily piling up, it’s a shame that prideful, chip-on-the-shoulder vengefulness and harping about a movie can even begin to carry the day.
And though agendas advocating pointlessness rather than prayer remain alive, hope still springs eternal. CNN.com has reported that while certain “groups briefly considered boycotting movie theaters and targeting companies that will advertise on the ABC Oscar broadcast … in hopes of demonstrating some economic muscle,” those once most supportive of such a Jesse Jackson-esque move have decided against it. This is good. Who would be left to boycott SpongeBob?
Abi Smith is a graduate student in Political Science and a columnist for The Cardinal.
E-mail her at: asmith@louisvillecardinal.com
