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18 SEPTEMBER 2006.- THIS AND THAT
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Mel Gibson hosted the ceremony at Holy Family church on his estate in Malibu, California.
For our partner "F", whose forecasts are always infallible.
"When he was interviewed about his father's statements when he had his movie about Christ... there were some issues. Whether it's your father or not, when he says things that are obscene that (are) taken on in the press, you've got to reject it." But Penn doesn't buy into the hysteria surrounding Gibson's comments, insisting that everyone who makes anti-Semitic remarks need help, not just celebrities.
He adds, "These were very ugly things, they weren't illegal things to say."
Mel Gibson to Diane Sawyer, 2004.
"Do I believe that there were concentration camps where defenseless and innocent Jews died cruelly under the Nazi regime? Of course I do, absolutely. It was an atrocity of monumental proportion. .... Their whole agenda here, my detractors, is to drive a wedge between me and my father and it's not going to happen. I love him. He's my father."
18 SEPTEMBER 2006.- APOCALYPTO, LIFE IS HARD
"FORDING THE RIVER"
Author: Unknown
"Now I was cold, tired and confused, the visibility was less than 10 yards in freezing fog. My fingers were very white and slippery. My hat came off, spun round in the water, and disappeared. I could not contact my team by radio, atmospheric conditions preventing that. It was our Mount Everest and we were there, an icy hell where no one had ever stood before." (Shooting APOCALYPTO)
THANKS TO OUR PARTNER FRED FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PIC
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"FORDING THE RIVER"
Author: Unknown
THANKS TO OUR PARTNER FRED FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PIC
20 SEPTEMBER 2006.- PREVIEW OF APOCALYPTO IN OKLAHOMA CITY
Mel Gibson is still planning to preview his new film "Apocalypto" in Oklahoma after last minute problems caused him to cancel three screenings this week.
He was set to preview the film before select American Indian audiences at Cameron University and Riverwind casino, said Jhane Myers, the Oklahoma City publicist arranging the visit, the Oklahoman reported Tuesday.
"He's definitely coming. It's just a matter of when," Myers said.
Gibson's movie, "Apocalypto," is an action-adventure film set in the final days of the Mayan civilization in Mexico. It stars Rudy Youngblood, a Comanche-Cree-Yaqui Indian who lived in Oklahoma before moving to Los Angeles last year.
"This is the first time a Native American has had a starring role in a feature film," Myers said. "Rudy is kind of breaking ground here."
The screenings will be by invitation only.
The film is scheduled for release Dec. 8.
By the way, we΄re not certain whether the photo is "Apocalypto" or "The Last of the Mohicans", but we΄ve just found it and we think that it looks impressive so enjoy!!!.
THANKS TO "CD" FOR HELPING US
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He was set to preview the film before select American Indian audiences at Cameron University and Riverwind casino, said Jhane Myers, the Oklahoma City publicist arranging the visit, the Oklahoman reported Tuesday.
"He's definitely coming. It's just a matter of when," Myers said.
Gibson's movie, "Apocalypto," is an action-adventure film set in the final days of the Mayan civilization in Mexico. It stars Rudy Youngblood, a Comanche-Cree-Yaqui Indian who lived in Oklahoma before moving to Los Angeles last year.
"This is the first time a Native American has had a starring role in a feature film," Myers said. "Rudy is kind of breaking ground here."
The screenings will be by invitation only.
The film is scheduled for release Dec. 8.
By the way, we΄re not certain whether the photo is "Apocalypto" or "The Last of the Mohicans", but we΄ve just found it and we think that it looks impressive so enjoy!!!.
THANKS TO "CD" FOR HELPING US
21 SEPTEMBER 2006.- THE PHOTO
"THE PROUD FATHER"
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"THE PROUD FATHER"
21 SEPTEMBER 2006.- THE LIBRARY
The Schaumburg Township District Library Board has decided not to remove the poster of Mel Gibson.
The board's vote Tuesday was unanimous, said Michael Madden, library director.
"The board felt that it would create a complicated situation about how you judge a person," Madden said. "If you begin with Mel Gibson, perhaps then you go to the picture of Jane Fonda."
We΄re so happy!!! We can΄t overcome the temptation to dance.
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The Schaumburg Township District Library Board has decided not to remove the poster of Mel Gibson.
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22 SEPTEMBER 2006.- THE BEST MAN AND THE BRIDE
"THE HANDSOME FATHER AND THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE"
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"THE HANDSOME FATHER AND THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE"
22 SEPTEMBER 2006.- APOCALYPTO
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THE NEW TRAILER.
According to "ANTENA 3 TV" (Spain), Mel Gibson is considering eliminating the subtitles of the film.
IMPORTANT: If Mr. Gibson eliminates the subtitles, we΄ll have to fast. And if anyone calls it a blackmail, then so be it.
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FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THE NEW TRAILER.
IMPORTANT: If Mr. Gibson eliminates the subtitles, we΄ll have to fast. And if anyone calls it a blackmail, then so be it.
23 SEPTEMBER 2006.- APOCALYPTO, MEL VISITS LAWTON AND PRESENTS THE MOVIE (PLUS A SPECIAL VIDEO!)
Mel visits Lawton.
Actor and director Mel Gibson paid a visit to the city on Thursday to show off his new movie and honor its lead actor, a member of the Comanche Nation.
Before the private screening of the film at Cameron University, Gibson paid a visit to the Comanche Tribal Complex where he and Youngblood, which stars as the main character in Apocalypto, were honored with a special ceremony.
Lawton City Councilman Jeff Patton presented the actor with a proclamation declaring September 21, 2006 as Rudy Youngblood day in Lawton.
It was also Youngblood's birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Mr. YOUNGBLOOD!
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Actor and director Mel Gibson paid a visit to the city on Thursday to show off his new movie and honor its lead actor, a member of the Comanche Nation.
Before the private screening of the film at Cameron University, Gibson paid a visit to the Comanche Tribal Complex where he and Youngblood, which stars as the main character in Apocalypto, were honored with a special ceremony.
Lawton City Councilman Jeff Patton presented the actor with a proclamation declaring September 21, 2006 as Rudy Youngblood day in Lawton.
It was also Youngblood's birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Mr. YOUNGBLOOD!
24 SEPTEMBER 2006.- APOCALYPTO, MEL΄S NEW LOOK!!!
According to certain sites,
Mel Gibson and Rudy Youngblood
From CNN.
Actor and director Mel Gibson visited two Oklahoma towns this week to attend screenings of his new movie, "Apocalypto."
Gibson did not make a public appearance during screenings held at the Riverwind Casino in Goldsby and Cameron University in Lawton. At the entrance of the casino _ where the film was shown Friday to a mostly American Indian audience _ reporters were kept behind partitions.
He arrived at Cameron on Thursday morning wearing a mask and wig so he wouldn't be noticed, university spokeswoman Amber McNeil said.
Jhane Myers, an Oklahoma City-based publicist who escorted Gibson, issued a statement saying Gibson was "deeply touched by the warm reception he has received while in Oklahoma."
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ABOUT DISGUISES
Dear Mr. Gibson,
If you are this odd gentleman (see pic)...
Please, next time may you wear your hair long, a colourful shirt and an enormous moustache??? Hippie-style, you know??.
We dislike criticizing THIS splendid artistic work, but it΄s evident that your stylist hates you.
Yours faithfully,
The staff of MelMegafans, who have nearly fainted on seeing your new look.
PS. Please, REMEMBER our Special Magic Words, anti-paparazzi, "A FREIR ESPARRAGOS!". UNINTELLIGIBLE.
According to certain sites,
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From CNN. |
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Dear Mr. Gibson,
If you are this odd gentleman (see pic)...
Please, next time may you wear your hair long, a colourful shirt and an enormous moustache??? Hippie-style, you know??.
We dislike criticizing THIS splendid artistic work, but it΄s evident that your stylist hates you.
Yours faithfully,
The staff of MelMegafans, who have nearly fainted on seeing your new look.
PS. Please, REMEMBER our Special Magic Words, anti-paparazzi, "A FREIR ESPARRAGOS!". UNINTELLIGIBLE.
24 SEPTEMBER 2006.- ROBERT DOWNEY SUPPORTS MEL
Robert Downey Jr. feels an incredible sense of loyalty to Mel Gibson after the star helped him win his own battle with substance abuse.
Downey Jr says, "He's an artist and he's imperfect like the rest of us. I don't know if I could ever be there for him as much as he has for me. I've talked to him and seen him. He's doing great, he's a good dude and he's taking care of himself."
Downey Jr says, "He's an artist and he's imperfect like the rest of us. I don't know if I could ever be there for him as much as he has for me. I've talked to him and seen him. He's doing great, he's a good dude and he's taking care of himself."
24 SEPTEMBER 2006.- 'APOCALYPTO' SCREENS AT FANTASTIC FEST (Austin)
We΄ve eliminated some paragraphs in order not to spoil the plot of the film, but if you prefer reading the complete article, click below.
CLICK HERE
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No one ever expected that tonight, audiences at Fantastic Fest would be treated to the first public screening of Mel Gibson's latest release, Apocalypto. The film, due for release by Disney in December, recently screened to community organizations but just wrapped up an enthusiastic reception here in Austin. The film's screening was followed by a Q&A with director Mel Gibson, and star Rudy Youngblood.
It's no secret that Gibson has been under the microscope this year for comments he made during an arrest in Malibu. Immediately following the arrest, rumors ran wild about the fate of this new film. The 200+ audience members at tonight's screening seemed to shrug off any politics or scandal, in favor of simply experiencing Gibson's latest work. That's right, no crazy war of words to report, just a recap of a film that played very well (though still not complete), and will easily serve Braveheart fans as the proper follow-up of that Oscar-winning work. Especially for those who didn't grab hold of his last film, The Passion of the Christ (which Harry Knowles previewed in Austin, in December 2003). In other words, scandal or no, Mel Gibson has delivered a highly entertaining and suspenseful action film. Properly positioned, it could be a big success.
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During the Q&A, Gibson shared "I just wanna draw the parallels. I just looked at it, and thought, we display that stuff here. I don't wanna be a doomsayer, but the Mayan calendar ends in 2012," he said, musing with a grin, "So have fun!"
When chatting about his casting choices, Gibson noted that all of the actors were first-timers from the around the globe. In finding his Jaguar Paw, the selection process was down to about six folks and he liked Youngblood, particularly because he wasn't "too pretty," and resembled a normal person. But, in addition, Gibson requested that each finalist run around the coference room in which he was casting. And, it was quite clear that Youngblood had the physical chops for such a demanding role. Youngblood, who was charming if not seemingly nervous at the screening, manages a great presence in the film.
Apocalypto is not perfect. It's also not complete (in fact, some of the finished effects will greatly improve some of the Mayan city scenes). What it is though, no matter what, is a fine adventure film with a charismatic lead character and some wonderfully choreographed action sequences. It's Braveheart, with subtitles
CLICK HERE
No one ever expected that tonight, audiences at Fantastic Fest would be treated to the first public screening of Mel Gibson's latest release, Apocalypto. The film, due for release by Disney in December, recently screened to community organizations but just wrapped up an enthusiastic reception here in Austin. The film's screening was followed by a Q&A with director Mel Gibson, and star Rudy Youngblood.
It's no secret that Gibson has been under the microscope this year for comments he made during an arrest in Malibu. Immediately following the arrest, rumors ran wild about the fate of this new film. The 200+ audience members at tonight's screening seemed to shrug off any politics or scandal, in favor of simply experiencing Gibson's latest work. That's right, no crazy war of words to report, just a recap of a film that played very well (though still not complete), and will easily serve Braveheart fans as the proper follow-up of that Oscar-winning work. Especially for those who didn't grab hold of his last film, The Passion of the Christ (which Harry Knowles previewed in Austin, in December 2003). In other words, scandal or no, Mel Gibson has delivered a highly entertaining and suspenseful action film. Properly positioned, it could be a big success.
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During the Q&A, Gibson shared "I just wanna draw the parallels. I just looked at it, and thought, we display that stuff here. I don't wanna be a doomsayer, but the Mayan calendar ends in 2012," he said, musing with a grin, "So have fun!"
When chatting about his casting choices, Gibson noted that all of the actors were first-timers from the around the globe. In finding his Jaguar Paw, the selection process was down to about six folks and he liked Youngblood, particularly because he wasn't "too pretty," and resembled a normal person. But, in addition, Gibson requested that each finalist run around the coference room in which he was casting. And, it was quite clear that Youngblood had the physical chops for such a demanding role. Youngblood, who was charming if not seemingly nervous at the screening, manages a great presence in the film.
Apocalypto is not perfect. It's also not complete (in fact, some of the finished effects will greatly improve some of the Mayan city scenes). What it is though, no matter what, is a fine adventure film with a charismatic lead character and some wonderfully choreographed action sequences. It's Braveheart, with subtitles
25 SEPTEMBER 2006.- 'APOCALYPTO' AT FANTASTIC FEST (Austin) II
"SHOOTING APOCALYPTO"
www.cinematical.com
So here I am, down in beautiful (yet horribly humid) Austin, Texas, enjoying my "vacation festival" after the arduous "work festival" that was Toronto '06. I'm flipping through the pages of the festival guide, wondering what I'm going to see on Saturday afternoon when someone informs me that there will be a "super secret" screening later in the day
The "super secret" screening will be Mel Gibson's Apocalypto -- and the director would be on hand to hold a Q&A session when the movie ends.
I wouldn't feel comfortable penning a full-bore review of Apocalypto, as the cut we saw was a workprint: It had "temp track" music, unfinished sound effects, incomplete special effects, and a few sequences that were bound for the cutting room floor. But the meat of the movie was still there, so I suppose it's cool to share a few early reactions...
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I'll admit that during Apocalypto's opening act, I was getting a distinct Rapa Nui vibe, but once the characters were delineated and the action started rolling, I was stuck knee-deep in the movie, entirely fascinated by where it was taking me. It's a unique, challenging, visually beautiful and harrowingly violent piece of filmmaking -- and I definitely look forward to seeing the movie again, once it's been polished in post-production and trimmed down just a bit.
After the movie, director Mel Gibson and lead actor Rudy Youngblood took the stage for a rather illuminating Q&A session. Unfortunately I didn't have my recorder with me, so I cannot offer a transcription of the conversation. But Mr. Gibson was completely open to all queries, whether they were obvious or mildly critical. The director insisted that the movie needs a "few more trims" before release, and he reminded us that the film still needed polishes in the areas of sound, visual FX, color correction, and scoring. But the general reaction afterwards was pretty darn enthusiastic. While enjoying my post-movie cigarette, I overheard comments like "pretty damn awesome" and "a whole lot better than I expected,"
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The completely finished version of Apocalypto is scheduled to hit theaters on December 9th, and based on what I saw in the 130-minute workprint, I've no problem recommending the film when it hits your local multiplex. It's unique, it's epic and it's a pretty exciting thrill ride. Hard to say what kind of impact this type of film will have at the box office, but I have to give Gibson credit for tackling such a risky venture.
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"SHOOTING APOCALYPTO"
www.cinematical.com
So here I am, down in beautiful (yet horribly humid) Austin, Texas, enjoying my "vacation festival" after the arduous "work festival" that was Toronto '06. I'm flipping through the pages of the festival guide, wondering what I'm going to see on Saturday afternoon when someone informs me that there will be a "super secret" screening later in the day
The "super secret" screening will be Mel Gibson's Apocalypto -- and the director would be on hand to hold a Q&A session when the movie ends.
I wouldn't feel comfortable penning a full-bore review of Apocalypto, as the cut we saw was a workprint: It had "temp track" music, unfinished sound effects, incomplete special effects, and a few sequences that were bound for the cutting room floor. But the meat of the movie was still there, so I suppose it's cool to share a few early reactions...
..
I'll admit that during Apocalypto's opening act, I was getting a distinct Rapa Nui vibe, but once the characters were delineated and the action started rolling, I was stuck knee-deep in the movie, entirely fascinated by where it was taking me. It's a unique, challenging, visually beautiful and harrowingly violent piece of filmmaking -- and I definitely look forward to seeing the movie again, once it's been polished in post-production and trimmed down just a bit.
After the movie, director Mel Gibson and lead actor Rudy Youngblood took the stage for a rather illuminating Q&A session. Unfortunately I didn't have my recorder with me, so I cannot offer a transcription of the conversation. But Mr. Gibson was completely open to all queries, whether they were obvious or mildly critical. The director insisted that the movie needs a "few more trims" before release, and he reminded us that the film still needed polishes in the areas of sound, visual FX, color correction, and scoring. But the general reaction afterwards was pretty darn enthusiastic. While enjoying my post-movie cigarette, I overheard comments like "pretty damn awesome" and "a whole lot better than I expected,"
..
The completely finished version of Apocalypto is scheduled to hit theaters on December 9th, and based on what I saw in the 130-minute workprint, I've no problem recommending the film when it hits your local multiplex. It's unique, it's epic and it's a pretty exciting thrill ride. Hard to say what kind of impact this type of film will have at the box office, but I have to give Gibson credit for tackling such a risky venture.
25 SEPTEMBER 2006.- PARALLELS
In describing its portrait of a civilization in decline (Fantastic Fest), Gibson said, "The precursors to a civilization that's going under are the same, time and time again," drawing parallels between the Mayan civilization on the brink of collapse and America's present situation. "What's human sacrifice," he asked, "if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?".
In describing its portrait of a civilization in decline (Fantastic Fest), Gibson said, "The precursors to a civilization that's going under are the same, time and time again," drawing parallels between the Mayan civilization on the brink of collapse and America's present situation. "What's human sacrifice," he asked, "if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?". |
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26 SEPTEMBER 2006.- THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION
"SHOOTING APOCALYPTO"
Article published by Deadline Hollywood Daily
WILL OSCAR VOTERS JUDGE MEL΄S FILM FAIRLY?
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I've learned that both Time and Newsweek want to put Mel Gibson's Apocalpto on their covers timed to its Dec. 8th opening. This happened with Gibson's The Passion of the Christ: Newsweek made it the cover before the film's release, and Time after the movie was in theaters. It's quite a coup for any Hollywood pic to make the covers of both newsmagazines. "There are a lot of media offers on the table competing for this movie," an insider told me. This may happen without any actual interview of Gibson, too. Any interview would be problematic for Mel's publicity push since it would necessarily dwell on Gibson's alcoholism relapse and drunken rantings against Jews. Because of that, it's still up in the air if there'll be a big network (or even cable) TV one-on-one. But the real issue, now that the Disney movie is starting to garner raves from its sneak screenings, is whether Oscar voters can, or will, judge Mel's film fairly.
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are known to hold grudges for a myriad reasons, and Gibson's anti-Semitic remarks over the summer provide ample fuel. Then again, the voters are supposed to judge the merits of the film and not the man behind it. The question is: can that be possible? I certainly don't have an answer yet since it's too early in the process -- most voters won't even start seeing the film until December -- but I can look to the past. After all, they ignored Gibson's Passion for the big noms (Best Actor, Best Director, Best Picture) because of the anti-Semitic overtones some saw in its portrayal of the events surrounding the death of Jesus. And, last year, I reported that hetero Oscar voters were unwilling to screen Brokeback Mountain because of their own anti-gay prejudices. But Mel's film is becoming known as the 'Mexican Braveheart' -- and everyone knows Braveheart won a ton of Oscars.
What is interesting, also, is how Gibson seems to be positioning Apocalypto: the Hollywood Reporter, which had a stringer in Austin, noted that at one weekend screening Gibson drew a parallel between the Mayan civilization on the brink of collapse and America. "What's human sacrifice," he asked, "if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?" (Gibson has been increasingly critical of the Bush administration over the war.) Meanwhile, I'm told that Gibson's alcoholism rehab is going well.
Following up on the Sept. 15th release of the movie's first trailer, Gibson went to the Southwest this weekend to personally host sneak screenings of his forthcoming Apocalypto to Native-American groups in Oklahoma and Texas (as well as to Ain't-It-Cool-News.com's Harry Knowles in Austin). First, Gibson went to Oklahoma, because I'm told that's where the Native-American lead of his film hails from. Rudy Youngblood, the newcomer who plays Jaguar Paw, is a Comanche-Cree-Yaqui Indian who lived near Ada, Ok., before moving to Los Angeles last year to try his hand at acting. Four months later, he was cast by Gibson in Apocalypto's lead role. (I'm told that, as part of Youngblood's audition, he had to run around the conference room where Gibson was casting -- because the last part of the movie is an edge-of-your-seat foot chase through the rain forest.) "Mel was supporting his lead actor. This was a bigger thing going on than the movie," an insider told me. So Gibson travelled to Goldsby, OK, on Friday for screenings for several dozen people, mostly American Indian, including officials of the Chickasaw Nations Industry. Some screenings were held at the Riverwind Casino south of Norman, OK, and some at Cameron University in Lawton, OK. Gibson wore a mask and wig to enter the campus building without being noticed. According to media reports, the action/adventure thriller set in the last days of the Mayan civilization in Mexico, was well received in Oklahoma.
So, too, in Austin, Texas, where the film was presented Saturday as part of Fantastic Fest 2006 with Gibson and Youngblood in attendance. Just prior to that, Gibson held a private screening for Harry Knowles and for the Native American Pow Wow Association of Austin. Though not quite finished -- some visual effects and sound design aren't in place -- Apocalypto is "a film of immense power [that] unfolds unflinchingly," Knowles reviews. "The Native Americans gathered at this screening seemed to love it. What I saw today was a very rough jewel, when I see it again, I trust I will see an immaculate jewel. This could very well be the best film Mel has made when he's done with it." The film received a standing ovation from the Fantastic Fest audience. In a Q-and-A after the private screening, one member of the native American audience asked Gibson if the movie was saying that the decay of the Mayan empire was solely from within (rather than from the influence of European invaders). Gibson replied that he has always felt that the seeds for different civilizations' demise always start from within, as a healthy society can repel any foreign invader. "He does see the film as a metaphor for where we are today," Knowles posted.
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"SHOOTING APOCALYPTO"
Article published by Deadline Hollywood Daily
WILL OSCAR VOTERS JUDGE MEL΄S FILM FAIRLY?
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I've learned that both Time and Newsweek want to put Mel Gibson's Apocalpto on their covers timed to its Dec. 8th opening. This happened with Gibson's The Passion of the Christ: Newsweek made it the cover before the film's release, and Time after the movie was in theaters. It's quite a coup for any Hollywood pic to make the covers of both newsmagazines. "There are a lot of media offers on the table competing for this movie," an insider told me. This may happen without any actual interview of Gibson, too. Any interview would be problematic for Mel's publicity push since it would necessarily dwell on Gibson's alcoholism relapse and drunken rantings against Jews. Because of that, it's still up in the air if there'll be a big network (or even cable) TV one-on-one. But the real issue, now that the Disney movie is starting to garner raves from its sneak screenings, is whether Oscar voters can, or will, judge Mel's film fairly.
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are known to hold grudges for a myriad reasons, and Gibson's anti-Semitic remarks over the summer provide ample fuel. Then again, the voters are supposed to judge the merits of the film and not the man behind it. The question is: can that be possible? I certainly don't have an answer yet since it's too early in the process -- most voters won't even start seeing the film until December -- but I can look to the past. After all, they ignored Gibson's Passion for the big noms (Best Actor, Best Director, Best Picture) because of the anti-Semitic overtones some saw in its portrayal of the events surrounding the death of Jesus. And, last year, I reported that hetero Oscar voters were unwilling to screen Brokeback Mountain because of their own anti-gay prejudices. But Mel's film is becoming known as the 'Mexican Braveheart' -- and everyone knows Braveheart won a ton of Oscars.
What is interesting, also, is how Gibson seems to be positioning Apocalypto: the Hollywood Reporter, which had a stringer in Austin, noted that at one weekend screening Gibson drew a parallel between the Mayan civilization on the brink of collapse and America. "What's human sacrifice," he asked, "if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?" (Gibson has been increasingly critical of the Bush administration over the war.) Meanwhile, I'm told that Gibson's alcoholism rehab is going well.
Following up on the Sept. 15th release of the movie's first trailer, Gibson went to the Southwest this weekend to personally host sneak screenings of his forthcoming Apocalypto to Native-American groups in Oklahoma and Texas (as well as to Ain't-It-Cool-News.com's Harry Knowles in Austin). First, Gibson went to Oklahoma, because I'm told that's where the Native-American lead of his film hails from. Rudy Youngblood, the newcomer who plays Jaguar Paw, is a Comanche-Cree-Yaqui Indian who lived near Ada, Ok., before moving to Los Angeles last year to try his hand at acting. Four months later, he was cast by Gibson in Apocalypto's lead role. (I'm told that, as part of Youngblood's audition, he had to run around the conference room where Gibson was casting -- because the last part of the movie is an edge-of-your-seat foot chase through the rain forest.) "Mel was supporting his lead actor. This was a bigger thing going on than the movie," an insider told me. So Gibson travelled to Goldsby, OK, on Friday for screenings for several dozen people, mostly American Indian, including officials of the Chickasaw Nations Industry. Some screenings were held at the Riverwind Casino south of Norman, OK, and some at Cameron University in Lawton, OK. Gibson wore a mask and wig to enter the campus building without being noticed. According to media reports, the action/adventure thriller set in the last days of the Mayan civilization in Mexico, was well received in Oklahoma.
So, too, in Austin, Texas, where the film was presented Saturday as part of Fantastic Fest 2006 with Gibson and Youngblood in attendance. Just prior to that, Gibson held a private screening for Harry Knowles and for the Native American Pow Wow Association of Austin. Though not quite finished -- some visual effects and sound design aren't in place -- Apocalypto is "a film of immense power [that] unfolds unflinchingly," Knowles reviews. "The Native Americans gathered at this screening seemed to love it. What I saw today was a very rough jewel, when I see it again, I trust I will see an immaculate jewel. This could very well be the best film Mel has made when he's done with it." The film received a standing ovation from the Fantastic Fest audience. In a Q-and-A after the private screening, one member of the native American audience asked Gibson if the movie was saying that the decay of the Mayan empire was solely from within (rather than from the influence of European invaders). Gibson replied that he has always felt that the seeds for different civilizations' demise always start from within, as a healthy society can repel any foreign invader. "He does see the film as a metaphor for where we are today," Knowles posted.
26 SEPTEMBER 2006.- APOCALYPTO, A JEWEL
A few extracts from an extense review published by AINC.
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"Is this the great film of the Maya Civilization? It is the most audacious and successful attempt at that period. Mainly due to the fact that the story is such an intimate experience. The whole film rests upon the shoulders of actor Rudy Youngblood and his Jaguar Paw character. To think that this cast is nearly all first time actors. People that Mel found on Docks and wandering the streets of Mexico City
is astonishing. The faces and the stories on these faces are great. The make-up, costumes and recreation of a lost culture are exquisite.
What I saw today was a very rough jewel, when I see it again, the day before Butt-Numb-A-Thon - I trust I will see an immaculate jewel. This could very well be the best film Mel has made when he's done with it. How commercial will it be? I haven't a clue. The story is incredibly involving and constantly thrilling. However, too often I've seen films of this type lost on audiences today. That Mel would even attempt this movie is a triumph, that it is in and of itself a triumph is a blessing."
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A few extracts from Q&A at Alamo.
After showing a very rough cut of the film, Mel Gibson thanked his appreciative audience for "being part of my discernment process" after two years of secret labour.
"It's good for me to show it at this stage because I get so close to it after working on it ... you don't know whether you can trust your own judgment anymore."
Apocalypto means "a new beginning" in Greek ("It just seemed right") and it refers to the rebirth of a civilization that follows the decline of another.
"Like all societies, you get corruption in government and manipulation (and) the use of fear to manipulate the masses ... I'm so happy that doesn't happen now!"
Gibson said his inspiration came from the apocalyptic Mad Max movies that launched his international fame in the 1980s, and also from the classic myths written by Joseph Campbell in the seminal textbook The Hero With a Thousand Faces.
But he doesn't want it to be as serious as it sounds. Gibson insisted that the first obligation of a filmmaker is to entertain an audience, even if a message or instruction are involved.
"One doesn't ever, ever make a work of art for an ιlite. I think that that's a very selfish and big mistake. You really do want to go out and reach as many people as possible ... it's like being a chef - eat this!"
He's aware Apocalypto may have its own apocalypse at the box office.
"So if it works, it works; if it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm in the toilet and that's the way it goes ... it's just kind of taking a risk."
He has a big personal investment in the film that goes beyond money. A devout Roman Catholic, Gibson wasn't afraid to talk about his vision of God - and also to poke fun at the omnipotent image that fan adoration can bring.
"I'm aware of something bigger than myself out there. Boy, I hope there is."
"If I'm God, well then we're all in trouble. There had better be something better than me. Because if there isn't, I want out of here now."
Gibson said he doesn't mind hearing criticism of his film because "I have a hide like a rhinoceros."
Complete Q&A CLICK HERE
"Is this the great film of the Maya Civilization? It is the most audacious and successful attempt at that period. Mainly due to the fact that the story is such an intimate experience. The whole film rests upon the shoulders of actor Rudy Youngblood and his Jaguar Paw character. To think that this cast is nearly all first time actors. People that Mel found on Docks and wandering the streets of Mexico City is astonishing. The faces and the stories on these faces are great. The make-up, costumes and recreation of a lost culture are exquisite.
What I saw today was a very rough jewel, when I see it again, the day before Butt-Numb-A-Thon - I trust I will see an immaculate jewel. This could very well be the best film Mel has made when he's done with it. How commercial will it be? I haven't a clue. The story is incredibly involving and constantly thrilling. However, too often I've seen films of this type lost on audiences today. That Mel would even attempt this movie is a triumph, that it is in and of itself a triumph is a blessing."
A few extracts from Q&A at Alamo.
After showing a very rough cut of the film, Mel Gibson thanked his appreciative audience for "being part of my discernment process" after two years of secret labour. "It's good for me to show it at this stage because I get so close to it after working on it ... you don't know whether you can trust your own judgment anymore."
Apocalypto means "a new beginning" in Greek ("It just seemed right") and it refers to the rebirth of a civilization that follows the decline of another.
"Like all societies, you get corruption in government and manipulation (and) the use of fear to manipulate the masses ... I'm so happy that doesn't happen now!"
Gibson said his inspiration came from the apocalyptic Mad Max movies that launched his international fame in the 1980s, and also from the classic myths written by Joseph Campbell in the seminal textbook The Hero With a Thousand Faces.
But he doesn't want it to be as serious as it sounds. Gibson insisted that the first obligation of a filmmaker is to entertain an audience, even if a message or instruction are involved.
"One doesn't ever, ever make a work of art for an ιlite. I think that that's a very selfish and big mistake. You really do want to go out and reach as many people as possible ... it's like being a chef - eat this!"
He's aware Apocalypto may have its own apocalypse at the box office.
"So if it works, it works; if it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm in the toilet and that's the way it goes ... it's just kind of taking a risk."
He has a big personal investment in the film that goes beyond money. A devout Roman Catholic, Gibson wasn't afraid to talk about his vision of God - and also to poke fun at the omnipotent image that fan adoration can bring.
"I'm aware of something bigger than myself out there. Boy, I hope there is."
"If I'm God, well then we're all in trouble. There had better be something better than me. Because if there isn't, I want out of here now."
Gibson said he doesn't mind hearing criticism of his film because "I have a hide like a rhinoceros."
Complete Q&A CLICK HERE
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