Could The Passion of The Christ have worked without subtitles?

[APzombie]

Mel Gibsons original idea for the film was to have it in Latin and Aramaic and not have subtitles, leaving the visuals to speak for themself. After watching it last night I have to agree that it could have worked just as good if there were no subtitles. I think the movie progressed at a pace where the visuals pulled the story together. The tone of voice of the characters for most scenes (notably scenes with Chiaphus, Peter, the Devil and the flashback of Jesus with his Mother) told the stroy perfectly. I can't really judge that it could work for everyone watching the film, esspecially people who don't know the story of Christ.

As far as the box-office goes, it might not have helped if it was without subtiles, but if it did, and the DVD came out with subtitles, I think the video sales would increase a hell of alot more. I also hope they have the caption option on the DVD where you can watch the film without any subtitles.

Do you think it could have worked?

[The 8 Ball]

Yes, I do...the subtitles were more of a distraction for me....I knew perfectly what was going on, and even what was being said...but thats only cause I know the gospel.....and the film was so visually beautiful....i wanted to focus on that....

However ones who dont know the gospel...need subtitles...

[ANavissi500]

I think that the film could have worked very well without using the subtitles. Maybe even better, although I'm not positive on that.

[Lazy Boy]

Gibson should have followed his original instincts and left the subtitles out of the film. Some of the dialogue was superfluous; I was moved at times from the power of the images, rather than the dialogue.

[ilovemovies]

I actually think it would be necessary for someone who, like me, may not be familiar with some of the supporting characters like Judas and Peter, ect. People who are not religious and never paid attention at Church/Sunday School (such as myself) may not know whom is whom. Sure I know Jesus and Mary and Magdeline (sp?) but not Peter and Judas and the rest. Still, know having watching the film I think it would be cool too watch it without subtitles. So I'll go with Subtitles necessary but it would be cool to have the ability to turn off the subtitles on the DVD.

[Shockwave]

Yes, without a doubt it needed subtitles.

[RogueSpear]

Yes, it still would have worked without subtitles. This was a movie of visuals, not words.

[MickeyKnox]

YES, because The Passionof the Christ being in a language such as Aramaic and latin it makes the movie realistic because that is what their language was and Gibson didn't want it to be a English speaking movie but a movie where they go back to the old roots, and talk in language that has been dead for a good long time! Also we know what hapens so we really don'tneed the subtitles, so it is a move where you need a fine line to decide but the subtitles where put in to make the audience understand!

[therealjohng]

I think it could've.

[T-1000]

It definitely would have worked without the subtitles. The visuals were powerful and stunning.

[blankpage]

I would've been fine if it wasn't subtitled, but I doubt everyone shares the same opinion as I.

[Scarface98.9]

I think it could've worked without subtitles. Most of the movie consisted of Jesus getting the shit kicked out of him by the Romans, so subtitled or not, the message would've been pretty clear

[bowieee]

It would have worked but it wouldn't had been nowhere near as successfull. Most of the average Joe movie goers out there would not take kindly to experimental ideas like that one. I allready hear enough bitching about how they had to "read" while watching the movie. *sigh*

[Boba Joe]

I believe the subtitles were important.