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Home , Maia Morgenstern, Passion of Jesus

© ATOM 2014 A STUDY GUIDE BY LIBBY TUDBALL AND ROBERT LEWIS

http://www.metromagazine.com.au

ISBN: 978-1-74295-451-6 http://www.theeducationshop.com.au OVERVIEW phasis, Gibson has created a repre- HE PASSION OF THE sentation of and the last twelve (, 2004) is a film about hours of his life that raises many issues the trial and execution of Jesus and explores many themes. Tas told in the of Matthew, Jesus is handed over to the Roman Mark, Luke and John. soldiers and flagellated. Unrecogniz- This Study Guide provides a set of ac- able now, he is brought back before tivities and questions to help students The film opens in an olive grove, the Pilate, who presents him to the crowd analyse and appreciate the film. Garden of , where Jesus as if to say ‘Is this not enough?’ It is has gone to pray after the . not. Pilate washes his hands of the However, an understanding of the film Jesus resists Satan’s temptations to entire dilemma, ordering his men to do requires a detailed cultural knowledge turn back. Betrayed by , as the crowd wishes. of the origins of , and there Jesus is arrested and taken back to are several activities designed to within the city walls of where Jesus is presented with the cross and introduce the historical and religious the leaders of the confront is ordered to carry it through the streets context of the film to students who may him with accusations of blasphemy and of Jerusalem all the way up to Golgo- not have that knowledge. his trial results in a condemnation to tha. On Golgotha, Jesus is nailed to the death. cross and undergoes his last trial—the CURRICULUM APPLICABILITY fear that he has been abandoned by Jesus is brought before Pilate, the Ro- his Father. He overcomes his fear, looks The themes and activities developed man Governor of Palestine, who listens at Mary, his mother, and makes the in this study guide will have relevance to the accusations levelled at him by pronouncement, ‘It is accomplished’. for students from years 10-12 study- the Pharisees. Realizing he is dealing He then dies: ‘Into your [God’s] hands I ing Religious Studies, Cultural Studies, with a political conflict, Pilate defers to commit my Spirit.’ Studies of Society and Environment, King Herod in the matter. Herod returns History, English and Media Studies. Jesus to Pilate who gives the crowd a In making this film, Gibson has de- SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 choice between Jesus and the criminal clared that his aim was to stress the A WARNING TO TEACHERS . The crowd chooses to have humanity of Jesus, and to bring home Barabbas set free and to condemn the terrible reality of Jesus’ suffering The Passion of the Christ is rated MA, Jesus. and crucifixion. In choosing this em- which means that it should only be

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PHOTOS: SCENES FROM THE PASSION OF CHRIST, A FILM BY MEL GIBSON © 2003 DISTRIBUTION INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A NEWMARKET FILMS RELEASE. PHOTOS BY PHILIPPE ANTONELLO UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. ABOVE TOP TO BOTTOM: ---; --- 2 QUIZ ...

1. What books make up the before he died A The Emperor of King of the ? D He was whipped to death B The Roman Governor of A The Old Testament and 24. Who was crucified with B The 8. Who was the mother of C The head of the Jewish Jesus? C The Old and New Testament Jesus? A Barabbas D The Old and New Testament A Mary of Nazareth D The Governor of B Two thieves and other sacred books of B C The disciples the Christians C Veronica 16. Who tried Jesus? D Judas D A High Priests 2. What is the Old Testa- B High Priests and Pilate 25. Which part of the year ment? 9. What nationality was C High Priests, Pilate and commemorates and cel- A The collection of bibli- Jesus? Herod ebrates the death of Jesus? cal books comprising the A Jewish D High Priests, Pilate, Herod A Christmas Hebrew Scriptures B Roman and Caesar B B A collection of sayings of C Greek C Passover the prophets D Macedonian 17. Where was Jesus tried? D C The collection of acts and A Galilee sayings of King 10. Where did Jesus live? B Nazareth 26. What special thing do the D A collection of Jewish A C Jerusalem followers of Jesus say hap- songs, poems and sayings B Rome D Caesarea pened to him after his death? C Greece A He appeared to his disciples 3. What is the New Testa- D Palestine 18. What was the Sanhedrin? before rising into ment? A The main Jewish religious B He returned and preached A The collection of books 11. Which nation was in court for many years comprising the Jewish control of the area where B The main Roman civil court C He destroyed the Temple of Scriptures Jesus lived? C Herod’s court Jerusalem B The collection of books A Israel D The Jewish Temple D He went into the desert for relating to the life of Jesus B Rome forty days to pray and his early followers C Greece 19. With what was Jesus C The gospels of Matthew, D Carthage crowned? 27. What is the main signifi- Mark, Luke and John A A cance of this for Christians? D The biography of Jesus 12. Who was Mary B A crown of reeds A It showed he was holy Magdalene? C A crown of gold B It showed he had not really 4. What are the gospels? A The mother of Jesus D A crown of nails died A The collected sayings of B The sister of Jesus C It showed he was the Son of Jesus C The aunt of Jesus 20. What happened before God B The books of the New D A follower of Jesus Jesus was crucified? D It showed he was stronger Testament A He was ordered to apologize than his enemies C The books of Matthew, 13. Who was Judas? B He was whipped Mark, Luke and John A A follower of Jesus who C He was made to construct 28. What is meant by ‘the D The collection of letters betrayed him the cross ’ written by the apostle Paul B A follower of Jesus who D He was starved A The one who would free the was cured by him of leprosy Jews 5. Who was Jesus? C A follower of Jesus who 21. Who do the gospels B The one who would baptise A A high priest denied knowing him three say helped Jesus carry the all people B A revolutionary who tried to times as prophesied cross? C The one who would destroy free Palestine from foreign D A follower of Jesus who A the Temple rule provided the tomb in which B Joseph of D The one who would lead C A man who baptised people Jesus was placed after his C Saul of Tarsus the Jews to wealth and into the Kingdom of God death D Some of the disciples prosperity D A holy man who preached to the people 14. Who was Peter? 22. How was he attached to 29. Why is Jesus also called A A follower of Jesus who the cross? ‘Christ’ by his followers? 6. Jesus lived between these betrayed him A By ropes A Christ means ‘the Anointed approximate dates: B A follower of Jesus who B By nails One’, the Messiah A 1-33 CE (Current Era) was cured by him of leprosy C By thorns B Christ means ‘follower’, and B 33-1 BCE (Before the Cur- C A follower of Jesus who D By chains those who were followers SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 rent Era) denied knowing him three became ‘Christians’ C 4BCE-29CE times as prophesied 23. What sign was put on C Christ was the family D We have no idea D A follower of Jesus who Jesus’ cross? name given to Jesus by his provided the tomb in which A mother 7. What happened to Jesus? Jesus was placed after his B King of the Jews D Christ means ‘Pope’, and A He was crucified death C Jesus of Nazareth King of Jesus was the first Pope, B He was stoned to death the Jews the leader of the Christian C He was taken to Heaven 15. Who was ? D He claimed to be Jesus of Church 3 two thousand years ago. shown to senior students. Teachers read the introductory materials to need to be aware that there is graphic understand the full context of the film. At that time the Jewish people of Pal- violence in the film, and should view it estine were under the control of Rome, themselves before deciding how to use 0-17: You are unlikely to understand which had conquered the area in 63 it with their students. what is happening in the film unless BCE (See below for an explanation of you work through all the introductory dates). BEFORE WATCHING THE FILM activities. Many Jews opposed this control, and ACTIVITY 1: QUIZ ACTIVITY 2: UNDERSTANDING groups such as the Zealots wanted to CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ABOUT JESUS overthrow the Romans. They looked to Will you understand the cultural refer- the prophesied coming of a Messiah ences in the film? Try this quiz (see The Passion of the Christ is a film about (‘Saviour) to lead them to freedom. page 3). If you do not score more than the Christian belief that the death and eighty-five per cent you will miss some showed that The Romans did not generally try to of the allusions in the film, and should he was also the Christ—the Messiah impose their religion on the Jews. therefore work through the other intro- whose coming was prophesied in the They worked with the official leaders ductory activities that follow. (answers Old Testament. ‘Passion’, from the Latin of the Jewish religion, the temple High on page 4) ‘’, means ‘suffering’. Priests. The High Priests in return co- operated with the Romans in civil and SCORE: To understand that story fully you need political matters. to understand Christian beliefs about 25-30: You know a great deal about Jesus. These are set out in the New THE LIFE STORY OF JESUS THE MAN the life of Jesus! You may not need to Testament, and especially in the gos- read the introductory materials before pels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus was a Mediterranean Jewish watching the film. peasant. THE HISTORICAL SETTING SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 18-24: You have a reasonable knowl- He was born in , in Galilee, edge of the period, but will need to The story of Jesus is set in Palestine over 2000 years ago. (see maps above)

ANSWERS to page 3: 1-C / 2-A / 3-B / 4-C / 5-D / 6-C / 7-A / 8-A / 9-A / 10-D / 11-B / 12-D / 13-A / 14-C / 15-B / 16-C / 17- C / 18-A / 19-A / 20-B / 21-A / 22-B / 23-C / 24-B / 25-B / 26-A / 27-C / 28-A / 29-A

4 We now celebrate 25 December as replace him as ruler, so he set about because it challenged the strict Jewish the date of Jesus’ birthday, but it was removing the threat. Not knowing where laws and rules about appropriate food, probably not on that date. In the sixth the child was, he ordered all Jewish in- social status, behaviour, and social century the Dionysius Exeguus fant boys to be killed. Mary and Joseph relationships. (‘Denys the Little’) established the year were warned by an , and escaped of the birth of Jesus, and called that this massacre, going to Egypt until it We do not know how long Jesus year one in the time of our Lord (Anno was safe to return many years later. preached. The accounts vary Domini, AD). The Christian calendar from between a few months, and three dates from the year of his birth, So 2004 Jesus grew up as a carpenter, like years. AD (‘Anno Domini’) is the 2004th year of Joseph. At the age of thirty or therea- Our Lord. bouts he began teaching and spread- He gathered a band of believers and ing the message about the coming followers, the main ones who were In fact biblical scholars now believe ‘Kingdom of God’. referred to as the disciples. Among his that Denys the Little made a mistake main disciples were Peter, later to be in his calculations, and that Jesus was JESUS THE PREACHER AND THE the first leader or Pope of the Catho- born about four years earlier than the MESSAGE OF ‘THE KINGDOM OF lic church, and John. There was also calendar suggests, so he was born in GOD’ Judas, who would later betray Jesus 4 BC (before Christ). More recently, to the Temple priests. Jesus also had scholars have started referring not to This message was that God had to rule several women followers, at a time BC and AD, but CE (the Current Era), in people’s hearts. People were to live when women had a very unequal place and BCE (before the Current Era) to by those principles that separated them in society. Among them was Mary refer to the year. from the kingdom of the world and the Magdalene, from whom Jesus had ‘cast devil. Jesus did not only preach this out seven devils’ which some gospel Whenever he was born, the gospel message—he also lived it out. So his scholars now read as a symbolic way of claims that Jesus was conceived mi- actions in healing lepers, allowing wom- saying that she cut herself off from her raculously (by God) to Mary, who was en to wash his feet, eating in common, sinful past. promised in marriage to Joseph. mixing with sinners and outsiders were SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 all demonstrating that the Kingdom of JESUS AS A RELIGIOUS AND CIVIL heard a story that the God was for all, not just the clean and THREAT Messiah, or Saviour, had been born. He the chosen. believed that this Messiah would free Jesus’ teachings were seen by some the Jews from Roman domination and This was a controversial message Jews and the High Priests of the

ABOVE: MARY MAGDALENE (MONICA BELLUCCI) 5 Temple, the holiest place in Jerusalem, This was the feast that celebrated the Those who believed that Jesus’ resur- to be both a challenge and a threat to time thirteen hundred years previously rection proved he was the true Messiah their traditional beliefs, customs and when God had delivered the Jews from called him Christ, the ‘anointed one’, society. Jesus’ behaviour in overturning slavery in Egypt. Led by Moses, they and they became known as Christians, the tables of the money-changers in went to Palestine, the ‘promised land’. followers of the Christ. To Christians the Temple, just before the Last Supper, During a special Passover meal, Jesus, today, Jesus is both ‘Jesus’ and was seen as a deliberate challenge to who knew he was about to be betrayed ‘Christ’—man and God. the power and authority of the Jewish by Judas, called on his disciples to leaders and a studied insult to them. commemorate him in future through To those of the Jewish religion who do They determined to get rid of him. eating bread, to represent his body, and not accept that Jesus was the Messiah, drinking , to represent his blood. as well as to followers of Islam, Jesus is They had no power to execute a per- After this ‘Last Supper’, he went to a a great prophet, but a man only. son, even a blasphemer, so they had garden called Gethsemane to pray and to get authority to do this. They sought prepare for his coming ordeal. It is at 1 There are several ‘flash backs’ it from the Roman governor of Judea, this point that the filmThe Passion of during The Passion of the Christ Pontius Pilate and also the pro-Roman the Christ begins. to events in the life of Jesus. After Jewish ruler of Galilee, . watching the film, re-read this Herod wouldn’t make a decision and ‘JESUS’ AND ‘CHRIST’ summary and underline those sent Jesus back to Pilate. This meant people and events that are referred that they had to convince Pilate that While the film focuses on the death of to in the film. Jesus posed a political, as opposed Jesus and his willingness to go through to a religious, threat. At a time when with it, it is his resurrection from the AFTER WATCHING THE FILM the Romans ruled Palestine by force, dead that is the central tenet of the any potential revolt would be put down Christian religion. EXPLORING YOUR REACTIONS TO quickly and brutally. THE FILM Traditional Judaism, the religion that THE Jesus was born into, had long foretold 1 Write down your own reactions to the coming from God of a saviour or the film and the physical and emo- SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 The period in Jesus’ life called the Messiah, who would set the Jews free. tional feelings you experienced as ‘Passion’ began soon after he had been Many people had claimed to be the you watched. preaching at the . Messiah. Jesus’ followers believed that 2 How did you feel immediately after he was this person, but to many he watching the film? A large number of had gath- was just another prophet or holy man, 3 How did your reactions compare ered at Jerusalem for the Passover. even a madman, pretender or rebel. with other class members?

ABOVE: JESUS (JIM CAVIEZEL) SITS WITH AT THE LAST SUPPER. 6 TOP: MARY MAGDALENE (MONICA BELLUCCI), MARY (MAIA MORGENSTERN), JOHN (CHRISTO JIVKOV) RIGHT: PETER (FRANCESCO DE VITO)

4 Write or present a brief oral review the Saviour, and are still waiting for the understand why such extremes could of the film. Discuss your varied true Messiah to come. exist in people’s reactions to him? Give points of view. reasons for your answer. 5 Give your opinion on the decision The Passion of the Christ aims to offer to present the dialogue in a credible, naturalistic Jesus whose MARY, mother of Jesus. Christians and Latin. sufferings of body and spirit are real. believe that Jesus was born ‘of a 6 The film is only partially sub-titled. virgin’, and therefore was conceived Some of the dialogue is not trans- 1 Either in pairs or as individuals by God. Some theologians question lated for the viewer. Is this an effec- brainstorm and then write your this, and argue that the ‘virgin birth’ tive device? Explain your views. own descriptions of the depiction actually means that Jesus was born of 7 How might committed Christians of Jesus. Read a selection of these a woman who was a virgin before she and students with no interest in in class and talk about your ideas. conceived Jesus. Some believe that religion react differently from each 2 At one point, Jesus says, ‘My God, Jesus had several brothers and sis- other to the film? my God, why have you forsaken ters, while others believe that Jesus me?’ What would he have meant? was an only child. EXPLORING THE CHARACTERS 3 How does the film portray Jesus’ own reactions at various stages of Mary, the mother of Jesus, has a strong Look at this list of characters who ap- his ordeal? presence in The Passion of the Christ. pear in The Passion of the Christ, and consider the questions about them. Jesus was a compelling figure who 4 How is she depicted? What age do attracted great support as well as great you think she is? JESUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS hostility. Do you think the filmmakers 5 How does she react to the Passion have created a character that helps you and the way of the Cross? JESUS, son of Mary and Joseph, 6 How is the bond between the was a Jewish peasant carpenter who mother and son portrayed? preached a vision of the Kingdom of God that differed from the traditional PETER, a (or follower) of Je-

Judaism of the day. The Old Testa- sus. Peter is acknowledged as having SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 ment predicts the coming of a Mes- been the foremost of the disciples. siah or saviour, who will free the Jews. Those who believed that Jesus was 7 How is Peter depicted in the film? the Messiah, or the Christ (‘anointed Look especially at the early scenes one’) became known as Christians. at Gethsemane, and when he is Most Jews did not accept Jesus as challenged about being a follower

7 of Jesus. PONTIUS PILATE was the Roman governor of the area that included JOHN, the ‘beloved disciple’, is seen Jerusalem. Palestine was under the in the film with Mary, the mother of control of Rome, and Pilate was Jesus. He was another of the original responsible to the Emperor in Rome disciples. for the good government of the area, In the Old Testament Satan, is the and for enforcing civil and criminal (as 8 How is John depicted in the film? leader of the fallen expelled opposed to religious) law. He was in 9 The disciples are key figures in from heaven. He becomes the cause effect an absolute ruler. the New Testament. What overall of evil in the world. impression of them do the film- 18 Pilate does not want to execute makers give? In the New Testament Satan is several Jesus. Why does he finally agree times shown as the head of the forces to it? JUDAS is the disciple who betrayed of evil who oppose the Kingdom of 19 Do the filmmakers present Pilate Jesus, handing him over to the chief God. Satan several times tempts as a sympathetic figure, or one priests of the Temple, the Sanhedrin. Jesus to give up his mission. to be condemned by the viewer? Give specific examples to support 10 People studying the gospels often Satan is represented as an androgy- your opinion. debate what Judas’ motivation character and is played by a was for betraying Jesus. What is woman in the film. HEROD ANTIPAS was not a Roman the filmmakers’ answer to this? but was the pro-Roman ruler of the 11 Do you find it a convincing por- 14 Why do you think Satan is area that included Galilee, where trayal? presented in this way? Jesus was born. How would you describe the visual MARY MAGDALENE was probably a representation of Satan? 20 Both Herod and Pilate have power. prostitute, before becoming a grateful 15 How did you react to the character Compare their attitude to this and devoted follower of Jesus. of Satan in the various scenes? power, and the way they exercise it. 16 What part does the serpent play in SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 12 What is Mary Magdalene’s role in the characterization of evil? ROMAN SOLDIERS. These were pro- the film? 17 How is Satan’s defeat treated in fessional soldiers from Rome. As an 13 How does she react to the suffer- the film? invading army they were often not wel- ing of Jesus? come by the locals, and many soldiers ROMANS would have resented and looked down SATAN on the people of Palestine.

ABOVE FROM TOP: SATAN (ROSALINDA CELENTANO); JUDAS (LUCA LIONELLO) APPROACHES JESUS 8 FROM TOP: MARY (MAIA MORGENSTERN)

21 How are the soldiers portrayed liaising with the Roman governor on then write and perform short during the flogging, along the way, matters affecting religious law. dialogues, presenting the views of and on ? various characters. 22 Do you think this is a fair portrayal? 21 Why do the Jewish leaders want (For example, is there any attempt Jesus executed? THEMES AND EVENTS IN THE FILM to explain why the Roman soldiers are so brutal?) THE SANHEDRIN was the supreme THE TRIAL AND TORTURE OF JESUS council of the Jewish religion. Sanhe- ONLOOKERS drin members were the high priests The trial and torture of Jesus is the and elders. major focus in the film. SIMON OF CYRENE was the person chosen to help Jesus carry the cross 22 Does the film present their point 1 Construct a chart which to the crucifixion site. of view fairly or sympathetically? shows the stages of the trial, who Explain your views. was involved, what happened and VERONICA is a woman of Jerusalem why. who takes pity on Jesus, and gives In many scenes we see the reactions of 2 Why did Pilate question the fact that him a towel to wipe the blood from his characters, but don’t hear their views Jesus was brought before him? face. Some traditions have it that Je- on the events expressed. In other 3 What was the role of the citizens of sus miraculously left a perfect picture scenes, the thoughts of the charac- Jerusalem in the trial? of his face on the towel. ters are portrayed through actions, for 4 Who finally decided that Jesus instance where Mary washes the blood should be crucified? 23 What is the reaction of these two of her son from the floor. 5 What view do you gain of the Ro- bystanders to the suffering of man soldiers in the film? Jesus? 23 Select some specific scenes and 20 What message, if any, do you think THE DEATH OF JESUS they are meant to convey to us as viewers? In the film, as Jesus dies, we see flash- backs to the Passover meal (seder) SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 TEMPLE PRIESTS AND LEADERS of Jesus and his disciples. It is to this meal that the ritual of the Eucharist or was the chief priest of in Christianity adds the the Temple. This meant that he had symbolism of the body and blood of responsibility for the Jewish religion, the sacrifice of Jesus. or Judaism. He also had the role of

9 ABOVE: MARY (MAIA MORGENSTERN), PHOTO BY KEN DUNCAN. RIGHT INSET: MEL GIBSON (DIRECTOR/ PRODUCER) DIRECTS JIM CAVIEZEL (JESUS)

6 Why do you think the filmmakers There have been various debates about ne.com.au> and consider why they show the interweaving of these the film that you could talk about in your have made the choices they have. two events? classes. Look at the following state- 7 Explain why Jesus was willing to ments and discuss the points of view: Violence in the film face death. Interpretation of the Gospels: The ‘The depiction of the Passion of the THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS Passion of the Christ is not faithful to Christ is too brutal and cruel’. Mel the scriptures Gibson said, ‘It’s a rendering for me that The Resurrection is the key element of is very realistic and as close as possible the Christian faith—it was this triumph This complaint has been rejected by to what I perceive the truth to be’. over death that showed Jesus (the the Vatican. Cardinal Dario Castrillon man) was also Christ (the Son of God). Hoyos, who heads the Congregation 3 Is the film too violent? Consider this In the final sequence of the film, the for the Clergy, called the film ‘a triumph question in a classroom debate. stone has been rolled away from the of art and faith’, adding: ‘Mel Gibson tomb, the cloths wound around Jesus’ not only closely follows the narrative of Anti-semitic or anti-Roman interpre- body are seen collapsing and the cam- the Gospels, giving the viewer a new tations era tracks to Jesus in profile, sitting in appreciation for those biblical passag- the tomb as a prelude to his risen life. es, but his artistic choices also make Other commentators have claimed that These are the images with which the the film faithful to the meaning of the the film is anti-semitic or anti-Roman. audience leaves the theatre. Gospels.’ (Robert Novak, Journalist) 4 Suggest reasons why these claims 8 Some viewers of the film have said 1 Do you believe that filmmakers have been made. Suggest some that the emphasis of the film is on should have the freedom to counters to them. suffering and violence, rather than interpret the Gospels in any way 5 What is your view on these claims? the Gospel message of forgiveness they choose? Why or why not? and triumph. In your view, should 2 Each of the four gospels provides The nature of the gospels—a bi- the Resurrection have more of a a different narrative of the Passion. ography of Jesus or a ‘How to . . . ’ focus, or did you feel satisfied with The filmmakers have not followed religious manual? SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 the end of the film? one version, but have made a se- 9 Suggest other ways that the film- from the different versions, The Passion of the Christ is a repre- maker could have treated the end and have also added non-gospel sentation of the last hours in the life of of the film. elements to the narrative. Look Jesus, based on the gospels. at the comparative table on the CONTROVERSIES ABOUT THE FILM website

10 Jesus? prophesied these and countless other extent other material also contained in marvellous things about him.] And the the New Testament. The historical and There are three key sources for finding tribe of Christians, so called after him, biographical reliability of these ancient out about Jesus: the gospels, and two has still to this day not disappeared. documents has been the subject of short extracts in works by near-con- much research and debate amongst temporary historians. In addition to Jewish Antiquities 18.63, quoted in modern gospel scholars, as well as these is a wealth of letters and writings John Dominic Crossan, Who Killed religious followers. by common, first century, people who Jesus?, Harper San Francisco, San make reference to Jesus. Francisco, 1995 p. 5. Some see them as literally true, with every word considered valid. This idea Here are the two non-gospel histori- B: TACITUS (c. 55 CE - c.117 CE) is often termed as ‘history remem- cal sources. (The italicized words in bered’. Others see them as basically brackets in Source A are not part of the , the founder of the name, true, though with elements that are original text, but were added when the had undergone the death penalty in symbolic rather than historical; others text was copied and preserved under the reign of , by sentence of again see very little historical or factual Christian control.) the procurator Pontius Pilate, and the truth in them, and regard them as al- pernicious superstition [Christianity] most totally symbolic. A: JOSEPHUS (37 CE - c.100 CE) was checked for the moment, only to break out once more, not merely in The issue of conflicting perspectives About this time there lived Jesus, a Judaea, the home of the disease, but in about the reliability of ancient literature wise man, [if indeed one ought to the capital itself [Jerusalem], where all is not uncommon. This is particularly call him a man]. For he was one who things horrible or shameful in the world the case with material relating to Jesus. wrought surprising feats and was a and find a vogue. This is because of the large volume of teacher of such people as accept the material about him in comparison to truth gladly. He won over many Jews Annals 15.44 quoted in John Dominic other figures in ancient history. A key and many of the Greeks. [He was the Crossan, Who Killed Jesus?, HarperSan area of the debate relates to whether Messiah.] When Pilate, upon hearing Francisco, San Francisco, 1995 p. 5. early Christians invented stories and him accused by men of the highest incidents about Jesus that would be SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 standing amongst us, had condemned 6 If we accept these sources as consistent with what was prophesied him to be crucified, those who had in reliable, what are the facts about much earlier about a coming Mes- the first place come to love him did not Jesus’ life that they present? siah. This kind of concept is known as give up their affection for him. On[ the ‘ historicized’. third day he appeared to them restored The main source of information about to life, for the prophets of God had Jesus is in the gospels, and to a lesser Here are nine points that most biblical

ABOVE: -----. INSET: CLAUDIA (CLAUDIA GERINI) 11 scholars accept about the gospels. biographies of Jesus, but rather as ‘se- 2 What do you think are meant to be lected incidents to show the meaning, the main ‘messages’ of the film for 7 Organize them into a logical teachings and messages of Jesus. viewers? sequence that provides an under- 3 Do you think the filmmakers have standing of the gospels. 8 Explain the difference between effectively put these messages ‘history remembered’ and ‘proph- across? THE JESUS PRESENTED IN THE GOS- ecy historicised’. 4 Do you think The Passion of the PELS Christ is a good film? Explain your MEDIA STUDIES views. 1: Modern scholars believe that Mark was the first gospel, and that Divide up your class into teams to WEB ACTIVITY and to a lesser extent Luke drew heav- write a critical review of the produc- A COMPARISON OF THE GOSPEL ily on it. tion of The Passion of the Christ PASSION NARRATIVES focusing on these elements: 2: The gospels are named after four The four gospel versions of the passion disciples—Matthew, Mark, Luke and Production design: setting/location of Jesus have many similarities and John—but the actual authorship of the • set design/props • lighting/colours • differences. The versions of Mark, Mat- gospels is not known. casting • costume/make-up/hair thew and Luke are quite similar; that of Acting: performance • facial expression John differs in detail and emphases. 3: The gospels contain differences as • body language • movement • stunts well as similarities. Camera: framing • angles • type of shot 1 Imagine that you have been asked • movement to make a film of the passion of 4: They also believe that there were Jesus based on the gospel. What other earlier written and oral sources 2 Look closely at specific scenes in would be the general principle that that were drawn on at the time—includ- the film to do a close analysis of you would apply when deciding ing the ‘Q gospel’ (though no copy camera work, cinematography, and which gospel version to adopt? of this has ever been found), and the direction. These could include the 2 Choose one scene from the table gospel of Thomas, a collection of the start of the film, the defeat of Sa- below (see page 13). Decide which sayings of Jesus. tan, or one of the several flashback version or versions you would se- scenes in the film. The filmmakers lect in creating that scene for your 5: We do not know exactly when they often use slow motion to dwell on film. Explain why you have made were written. Modern estimates are that particular moments. Identify and those choices. they were written between seventy- discuss these scenes. 3 After watching The Passion of the five and ninety years after the death of 3 Lighting and the use of colour Christ, look again at your choice Jesus. are particular features in the film. and compare it with the versions Identify the different lighting effects chosen by the filmmakers. Dis- 6: Each gospel was written in a certain and discuss their use. cuss the similarities or differences place and time for a certain Christian 4 The cinematographer modelled between their and your choices. audience, so the overall stress and some of the style on the artist Do you think they have made good messages in each gospel are different. Caravaggio. As Gibson said ‘I think filmic choices? his work is beautiful. It’s violent, it’s 4 Look at the final column above 7: There are more than four versions or dark, it’s spiritual and it also has where you have listed places in accounts of the life and sayings of Je- an odd whimsy of strangeness to the narrative where the filmmakers sus; but in c. 180 CE Bishop Irenaeus it’. Visit http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/ have introduced material that is of Lyons ruled that these four were the html/c/caravagg/ to decide what not from the gospels. Why do you only true versions—the others were the similarities and differences are think they have done this? Does it false, or heretical. The ‘authorized’ list in the style and colours of the artist detract from his claim to be depict- of works that make up the New Testa- and the film. ing the gospel account of Jesus? ment was first declared by Athanasius 5 The Passion of the Christ uses Discuss your views. of Alexandria in 367CE. both naturalistic and stylised filmmaking genres. Identify and This study guide was written by Libby 8: It can be argued that the gospels discuss scenes using both styles. Tudball and Robert Lewis. There is also range from ‘history remembered’ to an online version of the study guide which ‘prophesy historicized’—meaning from AN OVERALL EVALUATION OF includes more activities and information. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 a recording of facts that occurred, THE FILM The study guide can be downloaded for through to looking back at prophe- free from www.metromagazine.com.au cies from the Old Testament, and then 1 ‘The filmThe Passion of the Christ finding actions of Jesus that seemed to is not a biography of Jesus, but fulfil those prophesies. is a representation of the Jesus of the gospels.’ Explain what this 9 The gospels were not written as comment means. 12 ADDITIONAL SCENE MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN ELEMENTS IN THE FILM

IN GETH- Jesus goes to Gethse- Jesus goes to Gethse- Jesus goes to the Mount Jesus goes to a SAMENE mane. He takes Peter, mane. He takes Peter, of Olives. He tells the garden in the Kidron James, & John to watch. James, & John to watch. disciples to watch, valley.

Jesus is greatly distressed Jesus is sorrowful and Jesus goes apart from and troubled. He prays troubled. He prays three them to pray. “Father, if “Father, all things are pos- times: “My Father, if it be thou art willing, remove sible to thee; remove this possible, let this cup pass this cup from me; never- cup from me; yet not what from me; nevertheless, theless, not my will, but I will, but what thou wilt.” not as I will, but as thou thine, be done.” wilt.”

Disciples fall asleep and Disciples fall asleep and The disciples sleep and are rebuked three times. are rebuked three times. are rebuked once.

THE Judas comes with a crowd Judas comes with a Judas comes with a Judas arrives with ARREST from the chief priests and crowd from the chief crowd, and Jesus says: soldiers from the other Jewish leaders, with priests and other Jewish “Judas, would you betray chief priests and swords and clubs. Judas leaders, with swords and the Son of Man with a Pharisees. Jesus asks kisses Jesus, saying: clubs. He kisses Jesus, kiss?” who they are seeking, “Master.” Jesus does not saying: “Hail, Master.” and tells them: “ answer. Jesus replies: “Friend, he”; soldiers swoon. why are you here?”

One of Jesus’ followers One of Jesus’ followers One of Jesus’ followers Peter cuts off the cuts off the ear of the cuts off the ear of the cuts off the ear of the right ear of the slave of the high priest. slave of the high priest. slave of the high priest. high priest’s slave, “Put your sword back into Jesus heals it. . its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?”

Jesus protests: “Have you Jesus protests: “Have you Jesus protests to the Jesus tells Peter to come out as against a rob- come out as against a chief priests and temple stop: “Shall I not ber, with swords and clubs robber, with swords and officials: “Have you come drink the cup which to capture me? Day after clubs to capture me? Day out as against a robber, the Father has given day I was with you in the after day I was with you with swords and clubs? me?” temple teaching, and you in the temple teaching, When I was with you day did not seize me. But let and you did not seize after day in the temple, the scriptures be fulfilled!” me. But all this has taken you did not lay hands place, that the scriptures on me. But this is your of the prophets might be hour, and the power of fulfilled.” darkness.”

Disciples flee; a youth flees All flee. They seize Jesus and They seize Jesus and naked. lead him away. bind him.

JESUS Jesus taken to high priest. Jesus taken to Caiaphas. Jesus taken to high Jesus taken to , BEFORE Peter follows. Peter follows. priest’s house. Peter the father-in-law TEMPLE follows. of the high priest,

PRIESTS Caiaphas. Peter and SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 another disciple follow.

Priests and council seek Priests and council seek Peter’s three denials. Peter in the court- witnesses against Jesus witnesses against Jesus Jesus looks at him, and yard. Peter’s first – get false and contradic- – get false and contradic- he goes out and weeps denial. tory witnesses. tory witnesses. bitterly.

13 Jesus accused of mak- Jesus accused of making High priest questions ing threat to destroy the threat to destroy Temple Jesus, who says that Temple and re-build it in and re-build it in three he has always spoken three days. days. openly, so there are many people who can say what he has taught.

High Priest asks Jesus: High Priest asks Jesus: An officer strikes “Have you no answer to “Have you no answer to Jesus, saying: “Is this make?” Jesus does not make?” Jesus does not how you answer the answer. answer. high priest?” Jesus replies: If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”

High priest asks: “Are High priest asks: “Tell us if Annas sends Jesus you the Christ, the Son of you are the Christ, the Son bound to Caiaphas. the Blessed One?” Jesus of God?” Jesus answers: answers: “I am; and you ”You have said so. But I will see the Son of man tell you hereafter you will seated at the right hand see the Son of man seated of Power, and coming with at the right hand of Power, the clouds of heaven.” and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

High Priest declares this High Priest declares this is blasphemy. All condemn is blasphemy. The priests him as deserving death. and scribes call for the death sentence.

Jesus is spat on, struck Jesus is spat on, struck Jesus is spat on, struck and mocked, and called and mocked, and called and mocked, and called on to prophesy who has on to prophesy who has on to prophesy who has struck him. struck him. struck him.

PETER’S Peter’s three denials be- Peter’s three denials, then Peter’s 2nd and 3rd DENIALS fore the cock crows twice. the cock crows. Peter denials before the Peter weeps. weeps. cock crows.

SAN- Sanhedrin morning meet- Sanhedrin morning meet- In the morning the chief HEDRIN ing decides to send Jesus ing decides to send Jesus priests and elders meet MORNING to Pilate. to Pilate. and say: “If you are the MEETING Christ, tell us.” Jesus answers: “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They ask: “Are you the Son of God, then?” Jesus answers: “You say that I am.” They condemn him for blasphemy.

Judas returns the , saying: “I have sinned in betray- SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 ing innocent blood.” The priests reply: “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” He throws down the silver, which is used to buy the potter’s field to bury strangers. Judas departs and hangs himself. 14 JESUS Jesus is led to Pilate. Jesus is led to Pilate, the Jesus is led to Pilate. Jesus is led from BEFORE governor. Caiaphas’ house to PILATE the .

Pilate is told that the Pilate asks why he accustaion is that Jesus has been brought, perverts our nation, and the Jews say that forbids tribute to Caesar; Jesus is guilty but calls himself Christ, a they are not able to king. put a man to death under their law.

Pilate asks: “Are you the Pilate asks: “Are you the Pilate asks: “Are you the Jesus answers: king of the Jews?” Jesus king of the Jews?” Jesus king of the Jews?” Jesus “Did you say this of replies: “You have said so.” replies: “You have said answers: “You have said your own accord, Pilate asks: “Have you so.”When he is accused so.” Pilate finds he has or did others say it no answer to the priests’ by the chief priests and committed no crime, but to you about me?” accusations?” Jesus does elders, he does not an- the but the chief priests Pilate said that it not answer. swer. Pilate asks: “Do you and the multitudes say he was the Jews who not hear how many things has been stirring up the had accused him. they testify against you?” people in all Judea, from Jesus answered: “My Jesus does not answer. Galilee to Jerusalem. Pi- kingdom is not of this late sends him to Herod. world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.” Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again, and told them, “I find no crime in him.

Herod questions him, but Jesus makes no answer. The chief priests and scribes continue to make acccusations, and Herod and the soldiers mock him, and send him back in gorgeous clothing to Pilate. Pilate declares that neither he nor Herod could find him guilty. He

will be chastised and SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 released.

Sentence Pilate asks if the crowd Pilate asks if the crowd The crowd calls for his Pilate asks who of death wants Jesus released. The wants Jesus released. guilt, and the freeing of should be released, priests stir the crowds to The priests stir the Barabbas, a rebel and and the crowd calls call for Barabbas to be crowds to call for Barab- murderer. for Barabbas, the released. bas to be released. robber.

15 Pilate’s wife tells him to have nothing to do with this “righteous man”, as she has had a dream about it.

Pilate asks what is to Pilate, seeing that the The crowd calls for Jesus be done with Jesus, and crowd is starting to riot, to be crucified, and Pilate the crowd call “Crucify washes his hands and gives in to their demands. him.” Pilate, wanting to says: “I am innocent of satisfy the crowd, releases this man’s blood; see to it Barabbas, and has Jesus yourselves.” Crowd: “His scourged and delivered to blood be on us and our be crucified. children.” Pilate releases Barabbas, and has Jesus scourged and delivered to be crucified.

READIED Jesus is covered with a Jesus is covered with a Jesus is scourged by FOR CRU- cloak, has a crown purple cloak, has a crown Pilate. The soldiers CIFIXION of thorns placed on him, of thorns placed on him, give Jesus a purple and is hit, spat on and and is hit, spat on and cloak and a crown of mocked by soldiers, who mocked by soldiers, who thorns, hit and spit on say. “Hail, King of the say. “Hail, King of the and mock him with: Jews!” Jews!” “Hail, King of the Jews!” Pilate shows Jesus again to the crowd. The crowd calls for him to be crucified. Pilate says to Jesus, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answers him: “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin.” Pilate seeks to release him, but the Jews cry out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar.” When Pilate hears these words, he brings Jesus out and sits down on the judg- ment seat and says to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cry out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate says to SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answer, “We have no king but Caesar.” Pilate hands Jesus over to them to be crucified.

16 ROAD TO Simon of Cyrene is forced Simon of Cyrene is forced Simon of Cyrene is forced Jesus carries the GOLGO- to carry the cross. to carry the cross. to carry the cross behind cross by himself. THA Jesus, while a multitude of women weep for him.

THE They arrive at Golgotha, They arrive at Golgotha, They arrive at Golgotha, They arrive at Golgo- CROSS the ‘place of the skull’. the ‘place of the skull’. the ‘place of the skull’. tha, the ‘place of the skull’.

The charge is attached to The charge is attached The charge is attached Pilate had written the cross: “The King of the to the cross: “The King of to the cross: “The King of “Jesus of Nazareth, Jews.” the Jews.” the Jews.” the King of the Jews” in Hebrew, Latin and Greek to attach to the cross. The chief priests asked him to write “This man said, I am King of the Jews’, but Pilate refused to change it.

They offer Jesus wine They offer Jesus wine mingled with . He mingled with a bitter refuses it. taste. He refuses it.

Jesus is crucified between Jesus is crucified be- Jesus is crucified be- Jesus is crucified two robbers. tween two robbers. tween two robbers. Jesus between two robbers. says: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Soldiers cast lots for his Soldiers cast lots for his The soldiers cast lots for Soldiers cast lots for clothes. clothes. his clothes. his tunic.

Passers-by mock Jesus. Passers-by mock Jesus. The people watch, but “You who would destroy “You who would destroy the rulers scoff, saying: the temple and build it in the temple and build it in “He saved others; let him three days, save yourself three days, save yourself. save himself if he is the and come down from the If you are the Son of God Christ of God, his Chosen cross.” come down from the One.” cross.”

Chief priests and scribes Chief priests and scribes Soldiers mock Jesus, of- mock him. “He saved mock him. “He saved fering him vinegar, saying others; he cannot save others; he cannot save “If you are King of the himself. Let the Christ, the himself. He is the King of Jews, save yourself.” King of Israel, come down Israel, let him come down now from the cross that now from the cross and we may see and believe.” we will believe in him He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ “

Jesus is reviled by others Jesus is reviled by the One robber mocks Jesus crucified. robbers. to save himself and them; the other says that while they are justly SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 condemned, Jesus is innocent. Jesus promises this one that he will be in Paradise today.

17 Standing by the cross are Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus sees his mother, and John standing near, he says to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he says to John, “Behold, your mother!”

DEATH Darkness from sixth to Darkness from sixth to Darkness from sixth to ninth hour. [Hours were ninth hour. ninth hour. Sun eclipsed; based on the Roman watch Temple curtain torn in system: two. / 6-9 am / 9-12 / 12-3 pm / 3-6. So the sixth hour was midday.]

At the ninth hour Jesus At the ninth hour Jesus Jesus cries out and cries: “My God, My God, cries: “My God, My God, prays, “Father, into thy why hast thou forsaken why hast thou forsaken hands I commend my me?” me?” spirit.”

Sponge of vinegar offered. Sponge of vinegar of- Jesus says: “I thirst”, fered. and is offered a sponge of vinegar.

Jesus cries out and Jesus cries out and yields Jesus breathes his last. Jesus says: “It is breathes his last. his spirit. finished” and gives up his spirit.

The temple curtain is torn. The temple curtain is torn; there is an earth- quake; many dead saints arise and go to Jerusa- lem.

A centurion says: “Truly A centurion and others A centurion says: this man was the Son of say: “Truly this was the “Certainly this man was God!” Son of God!” innocent!”

The soldiers break the others’ legs so as to be able to remove the bodies before the sabbath, but Jesus, already dead, is speared – and blood and water flow out.

Crowd leaves beating

their breasts in sorrow SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014

The women there: Mary The women there: Mary All Jesus’ acquaintances Magdalene, Mary the Magdalene, Mary the and the women stand at mother of James the mother of James and a distance. younger and Joses, and Joseph, and the mother Salome, and other women. of the sons of .

18 THE , a Joseph of Arimathea, a Joseph of Arimathea, a Joseph of Arimathea, BURIAL council member, asks disciple, asks Pilate for council member who op- a disciple of Pilate for the body. the body. posed their action, asks Jesus, asks Pilate for Pilate for the body. the body.

Pilate checks on death of Jesus.

Jesus’ body is wrapped Jesus’ body is wrapped Jesus’ body is wrapped Joseph and Nicode- in shroud and placed in a in shroud and placed in a in a shroud and laid in a mus anoint Jesus’ rock tomb, with a stone rock tomb, with a stone new tomb. body with spices, against the door. against the door. and wrap it in a linen cloth, and place it in a new tomb.

Mary Magdalene and Mary Mary Magdalene and the Women from Galilee (Joses’ mother) observe other Mary sit there. observe the tomb. the tomb.

Pilate, reminded by the high priests that Jesus said he will rise again after three days, posts a guard at the tomb.

RESUR- Mary Magdalene, Mary Mary Magdalene and The women return after Mary Magdalene RECTION the mother of James the the other Mary go to the the Sabbath and find the finds the stone gone, younger and Joses, and tomb. stone rolled away, and and goes to bring Salome, bring spices. They Jesus’ body gone. Peter and another find the stone rolled back disciple to see it.

They enter and see a There is an earthquake Two men in dazzling They arrive to find young man in a white robe. and an angel rolls back clothing appear to Mary the linen cloth, but no He tells them Jesus has the stone. The angel tells Magdalene, Joanna, Mary body. They return to risen, and for them to go them Jesus has risen, the mother of James their homes, but Mary and tell the disciples. But and for them to go and and other women, and stays and sees two the women say nothing, for tell the disciples. tell them that Jesus has angels, then Jesus, they are afraid. risen as he foretold, and who sends Mary to for the women go and tell tell the disciples. the rest.

The women run to tell The others do not believe Jesus appears to the the disciples, and they it. Jesus reveals himself disciples in a locked see Jesus who tells them to two of them on the room, but Thomas is to send the disciples to road to . sceptical. Galilee.

The guards tell the chief priests, who bribe the soldiers to tell the people that the disciples have stolen the body.

The disciples go to Gali- Jesus appears to all the Eight days later Jesus lee, and Jesus tells them disciples in Jerusalem, appears again, and to go “and make disciples eats with them, then goes invites Thomas to of all nations”. to and ascends touch his wounds. into heaven. Thomas answers, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Jesus reveals many other things to them.

19 This study guide was produced by ATOM. (© ATOM 2014) ISBN: 978-1-74295-451-6 [email protected] For information on SCREEN EDUCATION magazine, or to download other study guides for assessment, visit . Join ATOM’s email broadcast list for invitations to free screenings, conferences, seminars, etc. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2014 Sign up now at . For hundreds of articles on Film as Text, Screen Literacy, Multiliteracy and Media Studies, visit . 20