able to analyze the social factors behind the film long before it is released, and can clearly predict its potential social impact.
"The Crucifixion", even though it has a fairly good market promotion like most successful Hollywood films, behind its success is the unique social and cultural soil of the United States, in short, the religious nature of the United States. It can be said that the success of "The Crucifixion" lies more critically in its subject matter: it caters to Americans' faith needs to a large extent.
The United States is the most religious country among the industrial nations, and it is in sharp contrast with the secular European continent, especially China, West, Northern Europe, and Japan. 80% to 90% of Americans believe in the existence of God; more than 60% of Americans identify themselves with a certain church or denomination; 40% of Americans go to church once a week; more than 40% of Americans identify themselves as "Reborn" Christians (including President Bush Jr. who is keen on religious discourse). These data are far higher than most other industrial countries. Gibson is coming out of such a cultural atmosphere: his parents are devout Irish Catholic immigrants, and his sons are taught religious lessons. Gibson was able to wait until today, and he invested 25 million US dollars to make this film, propagating his beliefs and ideology through the film.
The movie "Passion" in the United States can be described as a cultural spectacle; a large number of Christian organizations participated in the promotion of the film and organized bookings for collective viewing. The film was launched before Easter, and the box office remained high, and there was another climax during Easter. Enthusiastic Christians often go to watch the film many times and exchange religious experiences. For different sects, the film has extraordinary significance: it has been recognized by the pope, so it can attract Catholics; it emphasizes the experience of suffering, and it is in line with the purpose of the Protestant evangelical sect, so it is the largest development Audience market. Gibson's "religious education film" is a reflection of contemporary American cultural conservatism and religious complex.
However, this film really stirred up waves with one stone, because although it caters to the faith needs of many Americans, it also brings controversy on some classic issues.
The United States is nicknamed the "50-50 country." The central, southern, and southeastern parts of the United States are important traditional religious towns, while the large cities in the west and northeast are dominated by the secular, left-wing middle class, working class, and intellectuals. Criticisms of Gibson and "The Passion" also basically come from left-wing society. The New Yorker magazine, the flagship of leftist culture, has repeatedly satirized Gibson in the form of cartoons and reviews. In the eyes of leftists, liberals, and secularists, this fanfare religious propaganda film is ridiculous and dangerous.
On the other hand, the controversy over the film revolves around the issue of anti-Semitism: whether or not the film has a tendency to teach anti-Semitism. This controversy reflects Americans' anti-Semitism, Americans’ sense of political correctness, and the multiculturalism that still exists in the United States. As for whether the film is anti-Semitic, it is difficult to comment. People should be more concerned about the social impact of such a film—that is, how people interpret it. Today, when anti-Semitism is heating up, such a film is quite dangerous.
Gibson's film and himself are just stepping on the most critical and controversial crossroads in American cultural society. He himself is the perfect incarnation of American traditional believers, and the success and controversy brought about by his works are all manifestations of American social ideological phenomena and contradictions. More importantly, Gibson's works are more likely to help intensify this existing contradiction and bring far-reaching social impact.
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