Mel Gibson seems to have a passion (forgive my pun) these days for producing and directing films where not one word of English (his mother-tongue) is spoken.
In his last highly controversial, but very financially successful film, “The Passion of the Christ,” Gibson shot the entire movie with his actors and cast speaking only in the original Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew languages of the period.
In his newest endeavor called, “Apocalypto,” a movie being produced, directed and written by Gibson for Disney, again no English will be heard. The entire feature will be shot using the ancient Mayan language and dialect.
The movie will be set 500 years in Earth’s past near the end of the Mayan’s period of rule in Central America. It is being touted by Disney Studio execs. as a “unique adventure,” which, like the title implies, will be a work of unveiling a new beginning.
As in “The Passion of the Christ,” “Apocalypto” will have English sub-titles for all those in the audience who haven’t brushed up on their ancient Mayan. You do have some time to dig out those language dictionaries though, shooting doesn’t begin until this fall on locations in Mexico and Central America.
The Walt Disney Co. is hoping for a Summer 2006 release of the film.