Gospel-Based Film Puts Christ's Passion in Context
by Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
April 16, 2004
(AgapePress) - Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, continues to be a box office favorite. However, another movie about the life of Christ is seeing its own audience widen as well.Recently released to video stores and retail stores nationwide, The Gospel of John is a word-for-word film adaptation of the American Bible Society's Good News Translation of scripture.
Garth Drabinsky, producer of The Gospel of John, says the film gives viewers a unique look at the life of Christ. He notes that the three-hour movie "deals with the entire soaring, emotional journey of the last three years in the life of Christ, beginning with the assemblage of the disciples, leading to His ministry, His trial, His death, and finally the Resurrection. So, you know, it's the substance in great poetic detail, with all of its relevance."
The Gospel of John was released in theaters as well as on video and DVD, and the producer says the film has remained popular with audiences over the months since it debuted. The response has been consistent, despite the very high-profile release of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, which has tended to overshadow similar cinema attractions.
Drabinsky says Christians and seekers may find that the two films complement one another quite well, and that watching one after the other can provide valuable insight into the truths both films seek to portray. The Passion, which joins the story of Christ only at the end of His Earthly ministry, focused on portraying the crucifixion and the last 12 hours of Jesus' life leading up to His death and resurrection.
Meanwhile, Drabinsky says his movie, being based on the entire Gospel of John, provides viewers with "all of the contextual background," to better understand the meaning of the sacrifice so poignantly portrayed in the other film. "If you've seen The Passion," he says, "the illumination after seeing that movie will come from the detailed scrutiny of The Gospel of John."
Bringing the Gospel of John from scripture to script and then on to the screen was a major undertaking involving many challenges, Drabinsky says, but he is pleased with the response the film is continuing to have among viewers. And now the movie producer is working on his next theatrical project -- a word-for-word adaptation of the Gospel of Mark.
The three-part VHS or DVD set of The Gospel of John film includes parts one and two of the feature film, along with special features. The special features include a section on the historical background of the film, with interviews of prominent scholars of theology and religion with expertise in the political and religious environment of the time. Also included are interviews with the film's director, screenwriter, production designer, and several members of the cast.
