Mel Gibson Tried To Warn You

Summary

Mel Gibson's journey through Hollywood is marked by controversy, personal struggles, and defiance against the industry's norms. Once an A-list star, Gibson became notorious for his anti-Semitic rants and abusive behavior, which led to a public downfall. His controversial film, *The Passion of the Christ*, defied Hollywood's gatekeepers and became a massive success. Despite years of exile, Gibson's career revived with *Hacksaw Ridge*, signaling Hollywood's selective redemption of problematic figures. His involvement in *The Sound of Freedom* highlights his continued engagement with contentious issues, further underscoring the complex relationship between art, morality, and fame in Hollywood.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mel Gibson has been warning about Hollywood's elites for years, but his messages were dismissed as the ramblings of a 'crazy man.'
• 😀 Despite his success in the 1980s and 1990s, Gibson’s personal and professional struggles began to unravel due to his behavior and views, especially his anti-Semitic remarks.
• 😀 In 1998, Gibson criticized the industry's attitude towards women and shared his suspicions about Hollywood’s darker side, leading some to label him paranoid.
• 😀 Gibson's fame grew without the typical Hollywood connections, as he made his mark with 'Mad Max,' which set him on a path to stardom without the need for industry mentorship.
• 😀 'The Passion of the Christ' (2004) became a massive success, despite major resistance from Hollywood studios, who feared the film’s potential to fuel anti-Semitism.
• 😀 Gibson self-financed 'The Passion of the Christ,' making it one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time, earning around $612 million worldwide.
• 😀 Gibson’s career faced a major setback in 2006 when he was arrested for a DUI and made anti-Semitic remarks, resulting in a public apology and a major PR crisis.
• 😀 In 2010, audio recordings of Gibson's abusive phone calls to his ex-partner surfaced, further damaging his reputation and leading to a domestic violence-related restraining order.
• 😀 Hollywood's selective morality is evident in the cases of other problematic figures like Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski, and Woody Allen, who continued to work in the industry despite severe allegations.
• 😀 Despite his scandals, Gibson received support from peers like Robert Downey Jr., Jodie Foster, and Whoopi Goldberg, which eventually helped him begin his redemption arc in the 2010s.
• 😀 Gibson's return to Hollywood came with the success of 'Hacksaw Ridge' (2016), a film that earned six Oscar nominations, marking a turning point in his career and his acceptance back into the industry.

Q & A

What were Mel Gibson's early warnings about Hollywood?

Mel Gibson consistently warned about the corrupt and manipulative nature of Hollywood, particularly pointing out the industry's treatment of women and its elite power structures. He was vocal about the industry's negative influence on individuals, even mentioning his own personal experiences and suspicions regarding its darker sides.

How did Mel Gibson's rise to fame differ from most Hollywood stars?

Unlike many Hollywood stars, Gibson didn't have industry connections or influential parents to guide his career. He rose to fame through his acting talent, notably with the 'Mad Max' series, and his breakout role in 'Lethal Weapon,' which set him apart from other actors who typically navigate Hollywood through alliances and submission.

What controversial statements did Gibson make about women in Hollywood?

In a 1998 interview, Gibson referred to a producer's philosophy about women in film: 'Women on film are either naked or dead. Both is better.' This remark shocked many and revealed Gibson's critical views on Hollywood's portrayal of women, which he later confirmed by sharing his personal, paranoid suspicions about the industry's exploitation.

How did 'The Passion of the Christ' affect Gibson's career?

Gibson's 2004 film 'The Passion of the Christ' was a commercial success, grossing over $600 million worldwide despite being rejected by major studios. However, the film’s controversial themes, particularly regarding its portrayal of Jews, fueled widespread criticism. This led to Gibson's public downfall, with many distancing themselves from him due to his anti-Semitic views and the film's contentious nature.

How did Gibson respond to the backlash over 'The Passion of the Christ'?

Gibson responded to the criticism of 'The Passion of the Christ' with defiance, self-financing the project after studios rejected it. Despite the protests, the film was a massive success, and Gibson made significant profits. However, the controversy surrounding it contributed to his negative reputation, with some Hollywood figures calling for boycotts.

What role did Mel Gibson's personal behavior play in his career downfall?

Gibson's personal behavior, including public incidents of drunkenness, racist and anti-Semitic rants, and domestic violence, severely damaged his career. These incidents, especially the 2006 DUI arrest and subsequent derogatory remarks, led to his exile from Hollywood for a decade, with his behavior becoming a focal point of public criticism.

What happened during the 2006 DUI incident involving Mel Gibson?

In 2006, Gibson was arrested for driving under the influence in Malibu. During the arrest, he made anti-Semitic remarks and was caught on tape ranting at the police officer. This incident, along with his history of alcohol abuse, led to public outrage, a probation sentence, and the swift withdrawal of Hollywood support.

Why was Mel Gibson’s career compared to that of Harvey Weinstein?

While Gibson faced severe public backlash for his anti-Semitic comments and behavior, Hollywood continued to support figures like Harvey Weinstein, despite his well-documented history of sexual abuse. This pointed to a double standard in the industry, where moral offenses were treated differently depending on the individual’s status and power.

How did Robert Downey Jr. contribute to Mel Gibson’s career revival?

Robert Downey Jr. publicly defended Mel Gibson in 2007, asking Hollywood to forgive him for his past mistakes, much as he had been forgiven after his own struggles with addiction. This defense, along with Gibson's ongoing efforts at self-rehabilitation, helped to slowly restore his standing in Hollywood.

What is the significance of the film 'Hackshaw Ridge' in Mel Gibson's career?

'Hackshaw Ridge' (2016) marked a major turning point in Gibson's career. The World War II film, which was independently financed and received six Oscar nominations, helped rehabilitate Gibson’s image and demonstrated that Hollywood was willing to embrace him again, despite his controversial past.