Apocalypto -- controversy in Central America

Apocalypto continues to make waves and make news, now that it is moving into theatres in the region where it was set and shot. Variety reports that the locals aren't too happy with it:

Mel Gibson might be undergoing a rapid transformation from saint to sinner in the eyes of the Guatemalan people.

Guatemala is an intensely religious country, and "The Passion of the Christ" was one of the most popular films in its history. The release was a phenomenon in a nation where Semana Santa -- Easter week -- is by far the year's major holiday. . . .

But the reaction to Gibson's Mayan-language "Apocalypto," which is scheduled to open March 9 in Guatemala, is stirring up passions of a different sort in a country that is 43% pure Mayan.

According to Guatemala's Prensa Libre newspaper, a member of the Presidential Commission Against Racism & Discrimination called the film "racist and without a connection to reality." (He hadn't seen it yet.)

And the head of the National Council of Mayan Education said the film "leaves a message of discrimination and racism that should be rejected by Guatemalans." (It's unclear whether he'd seen the film.)

A slightly more upbeat take came from a Guatemalan who had actually seen the picture. "Cinefilo" Leon Aguilera said although "Apocalypto" was "plagued with anachronisms," it was also "rich in production, wardrobe and makeup," and he reminded viewers, "It's only a movie." . . .

And now, Reuters says Gibson is responding to the charges:

Actor and producer Mel Gibson hit back on Monday at accusations his "Apocalypto" movie misrepresents Mayan Indians as savages, accusing opponents of not doing their research.

"Those who criticize the movie should do their homework. I did," Gibson told reporters at a screening of the film in Mexico City.

There has got to be more to the quote than that, and I would love to know what it is -- especially because I just went through all the bonus features on the upcoming "definitive edition" of The Passion of the Christ (2004) this past weekend, and if there is one thing they prove, it is that Mel Gibson ain't no scholar. I do find his artistic instincts intriguing, though -- on that film and this -- and I do think Mel's critics should "do their homework" in the sense that they should watch the damn film before mouthing off about it.