Strong ticket sales for 'Passion' at local theaters

By Levi J. Long
Seattle Times staff reporter

	ALAN BERNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES Marlene Mitrovich viewed "The Passion of the Christ" at the Neptune Theatre in the University District on opening day. Mitrovich said she was very touched and loved that it was in Aramaic. On her forehead she bears ashes from an Ash Wednesday ceremony at a nearby church.
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Strong advance sales for "The Passion of the Christ" did not deter faithful moviegoers from showing up at local theaters on opening day in hopes of getting a ticket. And they were not disappointed, as matinee showings in the Seattle area did not sell out.

Jen Oss, 18, was one of about 100 people who attended a 10:30 a.m. showing at the Neptune Theatre in the University District. The Seattle Pacific University freshman had been wanting to see the film — a graphic depiction of the last hours of the life of Christ, directed by Mel Gibson — since last November.

"I thought it was gorgeous, amazing. I cried throughout the whole thing," Oss said. Like other Seattle theaters, the Neptune had a lot of seats available during the day. But if you opted to go in the evening, most likely you were turned away. Local movie houses reported sold-out shows during the late afternoon and evening. But there were plenty of seats left for shows beginning after 10 p.m.

Nick Collecchi, spokesperson for Landmark Theatre, said there has been strong interest in the film. "A lot of advance sales were bought through groups. ... I've seen stronger sales in the past 10 years. But this is nothing to sniff at," he said.

	ALAN BERNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES The first showing of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" plays at the Neptune Theatre in the University District.

Around the country, the movie had taken in an estimated $15 million to $20 million after just one day of release, according to The Associated Press. It opened on 3,000 screens, a number usually reserved for blockbusters. ("Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" opened on almost 3,700.)

Opening-day reviews were mixed. Some national critics lauded the film's purity of vision; others condemned it for excessive brutality or alleged anti-Semitism.

Sitting in the Neptune, Oss was one of many crying as the character of Jesus, played by Conway native Jim Caviezel, was whipped by Roman guards. Oss said the film brought her closer to understanding what Jesus might have experienced.

"It added more to my faith. In a way it was strengthened. It was a more accurate depiction of what I already believed," Oss said.

After hearing a lot of buzz about the film, Katy Digges, 18, of Seattle's Northgate neighborhood, and Chris Rolph, 22, of Lake City decided to check it out.

"I'm interested in the portrayal of the passion. I'm also a fan of Mel Gibson. I'm just very excited it's here and I'm glad to see the depiction that shows the suffering. Something that's not afraid to cross people's boundaries," Rolph said.

Eric Frisvold, 24, said he plans to reread the Gospels after seeing the film. "I don't remember some parts of the story. But I want to go back and explore a little more," he said. However, the Mercer Island native said he could have done without some of the violent scenes.

"The whipping, everything was excessive. I can get the idea without showing that much," Frisvold said.

Jennifer Yu, 26, also said the violence was a bit excessive.

"The details of the crucifixion, the whole process of being convicted and being carried out, it was a bit much," she said.

Though she recommended the film to her siblings, Yu cautioned parents with small children. "I would not recommend to anyone too young. It would be too hard on them," Yu said.

"The Passion" carries an R rating and most theaters said they will be checking for IDs.

Levi J. Long: 206-464-2061 or levilong@seattletimes.com

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