There was so much controversy over The Passion of the Christ from all sides. Christians for the movie, non Christians against the movie, Christians against the movie. Just one big mess.
So with news that the birth of Islam is getting its first feature film treatment in North America in over 30 years, I expect nothing less.
“The Messenger of Peace” will be a remake of Moustapha Akkad’s “The Message,” a 1977 Hollywood classic starring Anthony Quinn which is often applauded by Muslims as an example of how commercial Western cinema can respect Islam.
In the original “Message,” the Prophet and his companions were heard speaking off-camera but never directly shown, in accordance with Muslim conventions forbidding their visual depiction.
Portrayals of Mohammad have triggered anger in recent years. Danish cartoons of him ignited protests, some deadly, by Muslims in many countries in 2006. The offices of a British publisher were attacked in September over a novel about the Prophet’s child bride.
“In the 21st century there is a real need for a film that emotionally engages audiences on the journey that led to the birth of Islam,” the statement quoted the film’s scriptwriter Ramsey Thomas as saying.
The article doesn’t clarify as to whether we will “see” Mohammad. Quinn, and Irish Mexican has been depicted as a multitude of cultures in his long film history, so I doubt that would be an issue. But being versatile enough to look the part is far different from the religious restrictions that forbid his depiction visually.
The hope is that “commercial Western cinema can respect Islam” and that might be a sticking point. It may be interesting to see how they pull this off if the main character of the film is never directly seen.
I think this movie is due. In a world where many “taboo” lifestyles are now accepted as commonplace and we ease into a better state of acceptance of things we do not understand or appreciate, why not religion? Especially with such a harsh slate that Islamic followers have had to deal with as extremists tarnish their reputation.
I look forward to seeing this put to film. I just hope that the stink over it doesn’t overshadow their efforts.
