Gibson's Gamble Sets Box-Office Record
Mel Gibson’s movie "The Passion of the Christ" brought in an estimated $20 million its opening day, an incredible amount for a religious-themed movie, and approaching the gross of films such as "Star Wars" and "Matrix."
Stars including Nicole Kidman and Rosie O’Donnell checked out "The Passion" in New York Wednesday, and while there’s no review from Kidman yet, O’Donnell gave it a thumbs up.
Meanwhile, Jamie-Lynn DiScala of "The Sopranos" weighed in on the controversy, telling "Extra" she's definitely going to see the film: "I know some people that said they couldn’t speak. They didn’t know what to say for hours after."
Gibson's show-biz buddies Danny Glover and Robert Downey Jr. adamantly deny their friend's movie is anti-Semitic and give Gibson their blessing. "I don’t think we're doing our job unless we get some feelings stirred up," says Downey.
Meanwhile, Friday’s People magazine will carry a big cover story about the making of the movie and the holy war of words the film has sparked. People writer Alisson Adato tells "Extra" that, for now, people can't get enough of Gibson’s film, but in the long run, the star’s Hollywood marketability could possibly take a hit.
However, there is no doubt that the debate over "The Passion" will remain passionate for some time.
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