'Apocalypto' No
By Paul Haist
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Not everyone who has something they want to say to us writes us a letter.
Some leave phone messages.
One recent morning, I arrived at the office to find a message about Mel Gibson's soon-to-be-released film, "Apocalypto," a cinematic extravaganza due in theaters Dec. 8.
The film has to do with the collapse of Mayan civilization.
An online plot summary describes it thusly: "As the Maya kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices (wink, wink, nudge, nudge: the Bush White House). Jaguar Paw, a young man chosen for sacrifice, flees the kingdom to avoid his fate."
The Mayans had it all figured out. Mark your calendars. Learned students of Mayan civilization who have commented on the forthcoming film report that Dec. 21, 2012, is the fateful date.
If you've been in Antarctica the past few months, you might need to be reminded that Mel Gibson is the filmmaker who spewed anti-Semitic vitriol recently after being arrested in Malibu for drunk driving.
He subsequently apologized, although many did not see in that gesture a genuine act of contrition.
The man who left the message on my telephone, his name is Antonio, said he had just viewed a commercial for "Apocalypto" in which Gibson apparently confirmed that he had some kind of message to deliver in his new film.
"I was really offended," said Antonio. "Why is this guy making movies? He's a hateful anti-Semite."
Antonio grew increasingly exercised. He thought the Jewish community should do something, "protest this movie."
I thought Antonio was on the right track, although I did not agree with him when he said that "Apocalypto" should be banned. That sort of things runs contrary to my obsession with the First Amendment, which should apply even to hateful anti-Semites, even when it makes everyone squirm.
I do think that people of principle should shun Gibson and boycott "Apocalypto."
I agree with those who think Gibson's apology disingenuous, faux sincerity voiced to save his professional skin.
Maybe not, but I'd like to give him until Dec. 21, 2012, to demonstrate his sincerity conclusively. Then I might reconsider, if the world does not end then.
I have no interest in any message Gibson may want to deliver. The last message of his I heard said the Jews are responsible for all the world's wars.
After that, who needs more from Mel?
In Greek, apocalypto reportedly refers to an unveiling and a new beginning.
When Gibson's controversial film "The Passion" was in theaters, many Jews thought that was an unveiling of the director's anti-Semitic beliefs.
Others, in and out of the Jewish community, said, No, Gibson deserves latitude for artistic expression.
After his drunk-driving arrest and his ensuing espression of hate, there was no more latitude for a defense of Gibson.
His remarks after his arrest were a
dramatic unveiling of the real man, and, one hoped, a new beginning of his life as a nebbish.
The online trailer for "Apocalypto" announces that "when the end comes, not everyone is ready to go."
For me, when "Apocalypto" comes, I am not ready to go. I'd rather spend my entertainment dollar on a second or third viewing of "Borat," wrestling scene and all.
Mel Gibson? I'm not putting my money in his pocket.
"He's a hateful person," said Antonio, "He hates Jews."
From where I sit, Antonio got it right.