In support of the DVD release of "The Passion of The Christ," 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and Mel Gibson's Icon Productions issued the following short Question and Answer session with actor Jim Caviezel. Caviezel's role as Jesus was a physically and emotionally draining experience, with the actor having to learn Aramaic, endure full-body makeup sessions, and even spend entire shooting days on the cross in freezing cold weather. Caviezel also dislocated his shoulder during the shoot, had his skin blister up from the makeup, and was struck by lightning while working on Golgotha.
Question & Answer with Jim Caviezel ('Jesus'):
After seeing the finished film, how did it impact you?
The last time I felt that was was "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan." I didn't know what to say. And when the film was over, it's not really something that you can just talk about. It has to live with you for a while. I think it's going to be that way with most people that walk out of the theater.
Who should see this film, and how do you feel about it being rated R?
I'd say 12 and up, understanding what they're seeing. There's nothing gratuitous in the film, the violence is there for a purpose. I think if "Saving Private Ryan" or "Schindler's List," which were both effective films in telling a story of what happened in history and what not to do again, I would say if those were R-rated, then this is probably an R-rated film.
10 Theatrical Achievements of "The Passion of The Christ"
-With a budget of $30 million, financed entirely by director Mel Gibson, "The Passion of The Christ" ultimately grossed $370 million in the U.S. alone.
-Despite subject matter and language that many believed would limit its audience, "The Passion of The Christ" grossed $608 million worldwide.
-Even with an R rating, "The Passion of The Christ" is now the #7 movie of all time in U.S. domestic gross.
-"The Passion of The Christ" is the #1 R-rated film in history.
-"The Passion of The Christ" is the #1 independently distributed film in history.
-The choice to make the film in Aramaic and Latin has made "The Passion of The Christ" the #1 non-English film ever released in the United States.
-Without the use of traditional marketing efforts, "The Passion of The Christ" still became the #1 February release in history.
-"The Passion of The Christ" remained the #1 film in the U.S. for the first 23 days of its release.
-The film achieved the #1 5-day per screen average of $41,295.
-"The Passion of The Christ" is now tied for the 6th fastest film to make $100 million.
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