DVD

Mel Gibson has become somewhat of a character these days. Gibson has become a bit weary of the "Hollywood" way of doing things and so has struck out on a course of originality that can be both inspiring and controversial as the man is himself. His "The Passion" film was viewed by many as the ultimate depiction of Christ's suffering. At the same time just as many believed they were seeing a slant on Jews that was unfair. Just when a balance seemed to have been struck and his film was being accepted for what he claim...d it to be, Gibson the character mucks it all up. Unless you've been living in an isolated island somewhere with a mysterious bunker filled with corn flakes, you've by now heard quite enough of Gibson's arrest and related comments about Jews. Undeterred by such setbacks, Gibson again chose a controversial subject and proceeded to create another of his "masterpieces". This time the ancient Mayan civilization is the subject. Another film shot in an obscure language. These movies are overwhelmingly self-indulgent. That isn't to say they aren't any good. It just means that Gibson frankly doesn't give a damn what anyone else thinks.

Apocalypto is as complicated as the man who created it. The first observation I had was that the film was often best when it was at its simplest. Unfortunately Gibson doesn't allow these moments to dominate with the impact they actually possess. There are inexplicable moments of slapstick that can only be explained by Gibson's love for Three Stooges comedy. While that kind of buffoonery was welcome in the Lethal Weapon franchise, it is painfully out of place here. There is also a trend toward modern translations and phrases that are equally out of place. I'm obviously not learned in the Mayan language, so I can't be sure if these phrases are actually what is spoken or simply misrepresentation in the subtitles. There is no question that the cinematography here is outstanding. The lush Mexican locations were well scouted and serve a great purpose in the overall realism of the film. Still, these beautiful locations provide a stark contrast to the brutality and violence often on display. The musical cues are also outstanding. The exotic rhythms and tones invite the viewer to become emotionally involved in the story. Finally, the cast is an excellent group of relative unknowns. Most of the actors are true native American descendents from as far north as Canada and into Mexico. Everything about this production gives you a startling visceral experience that I admit I haven't felt in very many films I've seen. I missed this one on the big screen. I was admittedly put off by the Mayan language of the production. So my first experience was this DVD, which still gave me a relatively large screen experience.