Forgiveness doesn't come cheap in Hollywood. It helps if your films make money. It doesn't help if you're pulled in on a DUI, as Mel Gibson was two years ago, and rant to LAPD cops that Jews are "responsible for all the wars in the world." He soon apologized, met with Jewish leaders, and underwent treatment for alcoholism. But a bad taste lingered, fostered by previous charges of anti-Semitism against The Passion of the Christ, the religious lightning rod Gibson directed in 2004 and turned into the highest grossing ($370 million) R-rated film of all time. But now, after directing Apocalypto in 2006, Gibson has announced his return to ACTING! In August, he will travel to Boston to begin Edge of Darkness, starring as a cop who uncovers deep layers of corruption while investigating the death of his activist daughter. Adapted by Departed Oscar winner William Monahan from a 1985 BBC miniseries, the film—directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale)— will put Gibson's mug on screen for the first time in six years.
That's how long it's been since Gibson emoted in We Were Soldiers and the scary hit, Signs. Just last year, the fifty-two-year-old actor had expressed reluctance about returning to acting: "I think I’m too old for that, but you never know. I guess I’ll probably do it again before it's over. You know, do something that people will get mad at me for." So there you have it. Are you mad as hell at Gibson and you're not gonna take him anymore? Or do you think his talent is enough to ease you past his troubled soul?
Detractors say that Gibson won't be able to cut it now with the fading of his pretty-boy looks. Of course, Gibson's charm could lift films as slight as Air America, Maverick and What Women Want. But I've always felt Gibson impressed most as an actor when he erased vanity from the equation. He's terrific in the first Lethal Weapon, making his cop character suicidally bonkers. Gibson likes taking risks—hell, he played Hamlet. What is the performance that best shows Gibson's talent and daring as an actor? Beyond the thunder of the Oscar-winning Braveheart, the first and second of the Mad Max trilogy, and the first of Lethal Weapon quartet, there's vivid work in Gallipoli, Tim, The Year of Living Dangerously, Mrs. Soffel, The Bounty, The Man Without a Face, Ransom, Payback and the last two—We Were Soldiers and Signs. I think Gibson was digging deeper as an actor just when he decided to switch to directing. For me, the idea that Mel Gibson is trying for an acting comeback in Edge of Darkness is damned encouraging. What's going on in your head?
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Scottishgirl | March 28, 2009 9:17 PM
Mel Gisbson is not that great of an actor. I think he's superb as a director, though. I think he treats women like garbage.
A. Parr | July 25, 2008 6:03 PM
Good for Mel Gibson, he's a great acting talent, and i have missed seeing him on the big screen. Just because you believe in God and going to Church doesnt mean your a whacko. For goodness sake, the media today soon as you say you go to church and believe in god the media start ridicling you! Leave him alone, everyone makes mistakes i am sure the ones gossiping about mel have done alot worse than drink driving and shouting their mouths off when they are drunk. I like mel gibson i loved hamlet, forever young, and he will grow old on screen like everyone else does, talent does not go away with age!!! Look at sean connery, lawerence oliver, micheal caine all great actor and all over seventy.
keep bringing those films out mel!!!
Junior | July 17, 2008 12:11 AM
Good call on Gallipoli and The Year of Living Dangerously. Those are classic Mel Gibson performances. I really loved Signs, Payback and Hamlet. I want him to stretch some more because he's a very talented actor. Unfortunately he's turned into a religious whacko like Tom Cruise. Tsk tsk. Get Mel back to earth!
Zara | July 16, 2008 9:47 PM
I'm very happy to hear that Mel is making a return to the big screen. Frankly, I thought the media hype a couple of Summers ago was so totally overblown. My goodness...the man was drunk! It's like his whole life was defined by a few drunken moments. How unfair is that! And how hypocritical of the media to be so judgmental! Come on folks... the man is NOT the devil! He's a human being who can make mistakes, just like the rest of us. Anyway, he's truly one of the great movie stars/leading men of all time, and I look forward to seeing him again.
batlantern_87 | May 7, 2008 5:22 PM
i am going to have to say that Gibson is still a great actor, he has never given us any reason to doubt his acting chops. It is very easy to see that the first Mad Max is the best role for Gibson with Martin Riggs in a close second but i am eager to see what he wants to do next.
brett | May 7, 2008 1:29 PM
i think everyone really likes mel gibson but the media has purposely made it so he is ridiculed for a story.
i find him very talented, but i don't care for alot of his directing.
braveheart was his attempt at making HIMSELF a messiah. now, that's fucked up. and he must have, at one point, considered himself to play jesus in the passion. he imagined himself being beaten to a pulp for 2 hours- and probably strongly considered doing it for a while.
mel maybe very fucked up, but so is everyone else,
and he's a good actor, and has been ridiculed over the top by everyone. so im lookin forward to his acting return.
Jeff | May 4, 2008 12:09 AM
I hate to rain on the Gibson parade, but I'd just as soon pay ten bucks to see Tom Cruise's scientology video on the big screen than I would to see Mel Gibson's tired mug on film again. At least Cruise is a certified whackjob...Gibson is just a hyprocrite and a hate-monger.
pocketfox | May 2, 2008 6:56 PM
Hey peter travers, what about The Patriot? i think it'one of his best films! Awesome actor, great director! We all have personal issues and problems to deal with, and hardly anyone agrees everyone when it comes to religious beliefs. What i do in my free time really has no effect on my work, ad it should be that way for actors an directors as well. Art is art!
Movie Mike | May 2, 2008 3:11 PM
Movie fans love Mel Gibson...and he'll make a triumphant, forgiven return. He's not a walking joke like Tom Cruise turned into. Mel f-ed up once and made his amends...he's not married to his f-up and on the cover of every magazine every week showing that f-up to the entire world.
Welcome back Mel...and whip some ass!!!
rob | May 2, 2008 11:30 AM
Mel Gibson is obviously a multi-talented individual, but he possesses is a unique distinction that few other Hollywood bigshots can claim: mind-controlled robot for the global elite who OWN the studios. Think about it...the infamous anti-semitic rant...how well timed was that? Think about the other geo-political events at the time from which a big distraction was needed. Also, the super-emotional vehicle to further endear a manufactured religious icon (Jesus, for whom NO solid evidence can be found)even more to the public's religious consciousness. I know this sounds weird...and I LIKE Mel...but I do think he is mind-controlled. Do some internet research on the subject, THEN get back to me with your derision!
Nmar | May 2, 2008 7:33 AM
Looking forward to this movie with Mel!!!! Love Mel Gibson, one of last true gentlemen in Hollywood, a brilliant and creative and may I be so bold, one the best Directors in Hollywood. Welcome back Mel, We missed ya
Sure Why Not | May 1, 2008 2:31 PM
As bad as he looked two summers ago, he still didn't completely derail his career like Tom Cruise by jumping on Oprah's couch.
St. Robinson | May 1, 2008 9:36 AM
I think Gibson is actually quite a good actor, all things considered. I really enjoyed him in Payback (although not that awful Straight Up: Director's Cut version, which was awful).
This new film, considering its amazing screenwriter and damned good director, shows a lot of promise.
Feakjuice | May 1, 2008 2:33 AM
Finally. Mel Gibson deserves to go back infront of the screen. He was one of the movie stars in the 90s that could actually act. Throughout his manic-depression, he has still remained humble and creative. 'Apocalypto' was a good, solid piece of work. Yes he has personal problems, but that's all of us. If this decade has done one thing to the public images of celebrities it's shown that they're human. Being human doens't take away your right to be a movie star. Not yet at least...
Johnny Hardcock | April 30, 2008 11:19 PM
Hell, look at that face. The man's got "leading" written all over him, even with cheeks sliced and diced with crow's feet. If the trailer doesn't blow, I could imagine paying student (or senior) rates to watch his Melness mugging and crying and screaming as bees feast on and fuck his recently honey-slathered scrotum. Yeah, I'd pay seven bucks for that. Doesn't mean, though, I got the tanked Road Warrior's back when we stroll into a watering hole filled with Mossad agents.
john | April 30, 2008 10:07 PM
Gibson is the new Lee Marvin. Just a plain bad ass! He's a got a charisma of his own that just grabs your attention, waiting for him to snap. He's definately on of the last good action actors out there.
Andreu | April 30, 2008 5:20 PM
Definitely looking foward to what he has to offer in this film.
Juan Carlo | April 30, 2008 3:43 PM
Beyond any and all criticisms sent his way, Gibson can be convincing as an actor. The man can pull charm out of thin air, but I agree --he was looking to be more diverse in his roles. I look forward to his new work --this must be Ransom taken even further.