The Difference between the Passion Narratives Of the Bible and Mel Gibson’s Movie: The Passion of the Christ

This thesis examines the differences between the passion narratives of the four Gospels and Mel Gibson’s movie: The Passion of the Christ. I will prove that the moviemaker goes beyond the original text of The New Testament’s passion parts by using extrabiblical material and his own artistic imagination. Applying accounts on Jesus’ life and passion written by theology experts, historians, teachers and journalists I will demonstrate that the movie lays stress on certain elements, namely violence and brutality, Pontius Pilate’s conscientious character, strong presence of evil and finally Jesus thoughts and human side. The Passion depicts Jesus Christ’s thoughts in a way the viewers have never seen it before.