‘Passion’: It’s just a movie

With all of the hullabaloo surrounding the release of Mel Gibson’s film “The Passion of the Christ” (“Gibson in the Lion’s Den,” by Carina Chocano, Feb. 18), I’m really surprised that no one has commented on the obvious: It’s only a movie.

I challenge anyone to name a film that has had any noticeable social, religious or political impact. We saw the same exact overreaction with Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ.” That protest, and the film, turned out to be a lot of noise with no impact. Why would this be any different?

Mark E. Beallo

Culver City

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Chocano writes, “The biggest concern centers around whether the film could incite people prone to hatred to commit acts of hatred.” What irony that the media and other so-called champions of free speech have focused such consternation on the possible ill effects on society from a film about Jesus! Where have you been, oh seemingly righteous ones, while for years the film industry purveyed increasingly vile and profane material? Your indignation is transparent and disingenuous.

Surely a film about Jesus of Nazareth -- a Jew and infinitely more, who brought nothing less than the greatest and most profound message of love to all people -- is, at the very least, the worthiest of artistic endeavors.

Elizabeth Molo

Glendale

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Let’s end this circus. It’s a matter of free speech. Mel Gibson has spoken. He’s entitled to his opinion. And let’s understand as a community that that’s all it is -- Mel Gibson’s opinion. That’s his right. It’s a movie. It’s not like yelling “fire” in a crowded theater. Movies are art. Artificial, not real. The audience knows the difference. They can either choose to accept Gibson’s version or not. It’s that simple. Please, leave it alone.

Rob Vaughn

West Hollywood