One of the major draws of Mel Gibson’s Passion seems to have been the emotional effect it has had on people. Journalists have recorded again and again how people have left the theater crying. Now this is not necessarily a bad thing, but as I argue below (see Feb 28 post), the important issue with the movie is whether or not it is true.
I was reminded of that point this morning as I read about the new Book of Mormon Movie.. It recounts the (fictional, I am convinced) journey of the leaders of the lost tribes of Israel to America 600 years before Christ. Although not in the numbers of The Passion, people are seeing this movie and yup, you guessed it, they are “leaving the theater in tears.” It is a really moving experience for them. Misleading, but very moving.