Mel Gibson's mug shot released

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Arresting deputy tells the AP his side of the story ...

... and you might be suprised by what he has to say: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy James Mee told The Associated Press that he considered it a routine arrest and didn't take any comments made by Gibson seriously. -snip- Mee, who is Jewish, would not comment specifically on what Gibson said. "That stuff is booze talking," the deputy said in an interview outside his home. "There's two things that booze does. It amplifies your basic personality. If you are a laid-back kind of person, just an easy going kind of person, booze is going to amplify that and you'll be just sitting around going how it's a wonderful day. "But, if you are high-strung person, it's going to amplify that and all the bad things are going to come out." Mee said he has had a hard time sleeping since the arrest and is wary of speaking publicly about the incident. Mee said he has made hundreds of drunken driving arrests and considered Gibson's arrest routine. [full article.] These comments by Deputy Mee reveal a very different picture than the one that TMZ has been painting in its coverage. We'll have to remain patient as the truth gradually comes out. Remember, TMZ has repeatedly claimed that Deputy Mee was the main person that Mel Gibson offended during the arrest, and yet in this interview Deputy Mee says the arrest was "routine" and that he personally "didn't take any coments made by Gibson seriously." Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Mee

Head of Disney studios Aviv accepts Mel's apology

Amid a storm of Anti-Mel vitriol, the head of Disney studios Oren Aviv has accepted Mel Gibson's apology: "I've worked with Mel on several films over the years and we have a great relationship. We all make mistakes and I've accepted his apology to what was a regrettable situation. I wish him the very best on his path to healing." Hopefully this will put to rest any fears that Apocalypto could be cancelled or postponed. Update: Of course, what effect Mel's actions will have on the box office potential of Apocalypto remains an open question. The AP has more. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Oren Aviv

Star Mag: Gibson has entered AA 12-Step program

TMZ reports: Star Magazine has confirmed that Mel Gibson has entered an unnamed rehab facility for treatment for alcohol addiction. Gibson's rep, Alan Nierob, exclusively tells Star, "He is in a program of recovery at this time." Star Magazine adds this quote from Chris Prentiss, who is a "neighbor of Gibson's and the co-founder of celebrity treatment centre Passages in Malibu, Calif.": "Statements that Mel Gibson made are a result of alcohol changing Mel Gibson into that kind of a person. "The Mel Gibson that we all know is not that kind of a person. When alcohol enters his system he becomes an out of control, belligerent, nasty guy. It's not Mel Gibson's life. Most of time, 99.9 percent of time he is fine upstanding gentlemanly person." "I wish Mel Gibson well and I would like to see him get the help deserves. He is a fine guy and he should have the kind of help that will truly help him." [full article.] If this story is true, then Mel is indeed taking swift action in finding a cure to his ailments. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Rehab

Video: LA County Sheriff's Department denies cover-up

From TMZ: "Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, just concluded (9:15AM PT) a press conference with reporters, answering questions about the Mel Gibson DUI controversy. The video is courtesy of the FOX affiliate in Los Angeles." Whitmore's press conference: [Part one] [Part two] Related news story: "Police Defend Handling of Mel Gibson Arrest" - AP Entertainment Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

New AW reader poll: how do you feel about Apocalypto now?

Vote now in our latest Apocalypto Watch reader poll: After Mel Gibson's DUI and "despicable" statements: I am more interested in Apocalypto I am less interested in Apocalypto I am just as interested in Apocalypto as I was before Undecided/No Opinion VOTE NOW!

Mel's role in Australia's most prestigious drama school imperiled?

The Australian Sunday Times reports: The National Institute of Dramatic Art's most famous graduate and one of its most generous benefactors could have breached the institute's discrimination policy. -snip- NIDA refused to rule out taking action yesterday, claiming that despite an independently verified police report and Gibson admitting "I am deeply ashamed of everything I said", it did not yet have the facts. The institute, which stands to lose millions in donations if it disowns Gibson, even suggested the incident had been exaggerated by the media. "When celebrities are involved in situations such as this, the press can at times, blow it out of proportion," a spokeswoman said. NIDA executive director Aubrey Mellor refused to comment. [full article.]

Three official Apocalypto Wallpapers released - download here!

The official Apocalypto website released three wallpapers last week which we've made available below (in three seperate sizes). Enjoy! [1280x1024] [1024x768] [800x600] [1280x1024] [1024x768] [800x600] [1280x1024] [1024x768] [800x600] Thanks to reader Josh for the tip! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Wallpaper

TMZ claims that Mel Gibson was stopped twice before

TMZ reports in another exclusive: TMZ has learned that Mel Gibson has been stopped for reckless driving two other times in Malibu but he was allowed to leave without a ticket or arrest. As TMZ first reported, Gibson was arrested on Friday for suspicion of driving under the influence on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu -- driving 87 miles an hour. As we reported, the deputy who arrested Gibson was ordered to sanitize his arrest report to make it appear that Gibson's arrest was "without incident." In fact, The report states Gibson was abusive, violent and vulgar, and even attempted to escape. TMZ has confirmed that approximately three years ago, Gibson was driving 74 miles per hour on Pacific Coast Highway, one mile from his house, when he was pulled over by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy. Sources say Gibson avoided eye contact with the deputy during the stop and even though the deputy was suspicious of Gibson's sobriety, he let him go. Approximately one year ago Gibson was stopped again, after driving 64 miles an hour on Pacific Coast Highway -- where the speed limit is 45. Sources say that Gibson was so cocky that he was on his cell phone the entire time he was detained by the deputy. Ultimately, the deputy decided to let him go without giving him a citation. [More...] This is discouraging news for Mel's reputation if it is true. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

USA Today and LATimes discuss effects of Mel's arrest on Apocalypto

First, USA Today asks the logical question: Is director Mel Gibson's arrest the end of the world for Apocalypto? A published report that the Lethal Weapon star engaged in an anti-Semitic outburst when Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies took him into custody Friday on suspicion of drunken driving will likely dog him even more than a DUI conviction would. And the first casualty of his behavior - or which he has apologized - could be his ancient-Mayan adventure drama, set to open Dec. 8. ... Thompson said Apocalypto will be the first test. "A lot of people are upset by this. (But) people love Mel Gibson. They care about him and want him to do well and get himself back together. There's a lot of that sentiment out there." [full article.] Second, the LA Times chimes in: Mel Gibson is rich enough to finance his own movies, including the 2004 blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ" and the upcoming release "Apocalypto." But although riches can buy a certain freedom from creative interference, no man is an island in the movie business. ... "Apocalypto," set for a Dec. 8 release, appears to pose some unique marketing challenges. The film, set against the backdrop of the ancient Mayan empire that mysteriously collapsed centuries before the Spanish conquistadors arrived, is in Mayan dialect and has a cast of relative unknowns. Earlier this year, Gibson described "Apocalypto" as "an action adventure of mythic proportions." He deflected further queries about the plot, although he did say that "Apocalypto" -- a Greek word that translates as "new beginning" -- centers on an Indian family man who "has to overcome tremendous odds to preserve what he values the most." Principal photography on the film was recently completed. One person who saw Gibson on the set in Vera Cruz said he appeared healthy and in control and did not detect any hint that he had a drinking problem. It is unclear how his arrest might affect his participation in post-production on the film. ... As for Gibson, he was said to be huddling with his medical, legal and spiritual advisers over the weekend. Some of his friends, who asked not to be identified, said they hoped that he would seek counseling for his admitted drinking problem. One source said he had already begun rehabilitation, noting that Gibson has long been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's impossible to know how much of a long-term impact the incident will have on Gibson's career. ... Gibson, who faces a Sept. 28 court appearance on his misdemeanor drunk driving charge, clearly needs Hollywood allies going forward. ... If Disney were to bow out of distributing "Apocalypto," there are few other ways Gibson could easily get his movie into theaters. Newmarket is now a part of Time Warner Inc., and, as such, is subject to the same potential boycott pressures that could be directed at Disney. The only truly independent distributor with any real pull is Lionsgate Films, which has a history of distributing films Disney wants no part of. Lionsgate released two films, "Dogma" and "Fahrenheit 9/11," that were originally set to be distributed by the Disney-owned Miramax Films. [full article.] It would frankly suprise me very much if Disney did indeed bow out of distributing Apocalypto. Photo: 2004 AP file photo Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

"Hollywood Split Over Mel Gibson's Future" - AP

From the AP: A stunned Hollywood debated the future of one of its biggest stars Sunday as a sheriff's watchdog launched an investigation into a possible cover up of a leaked report that quoted Mel Gibson unleashing a tirade of anti-Semitic remarks during a drunken driving arrest. One media expert said Gibson irreparably damaged his career with his "crazy" behavior following his arrest by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Malibu early Friday. Charges of anti-Semitism were also leveled against the actor-director with the release of his 2004 blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ." "It's a nuclear disaster for him," said publicist Michael Levine, who has represented Michael Jackson and Charlton Heston, among others. "I don't see how he can restore himself." [More...] What do you think? Will Mel bounce back? Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, DUI

Mel Gibson apologizes for DUI and "despicable" statements: full text

Mel Gibson just released the following statement: "After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed. I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the LA County Sheriffs. The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person. I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said. Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself. I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry. I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. I apologize for any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health." [source] Mel Gibson's publicist, Alan Neirob, is not saying anything beyond the above statement. Mr. Gibson could still go to jail for three days under California's strict anti-drunk driving laws. Photo: WorldNetDaily Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, DUI

Mel Gibson arrested on suspicion of DUI

TMZ broke the story (scroll down for updates): Mel Gibson was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Malibu, Calif. early this morning for suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $5,000. He was pulled over for speeding in his 2006 Lexus as he was heading eastbound on the Pacific Coast Highway and a Breathalyzer test was administered. The arrest report lists the time of arrest as 2:36AM and the time booked as 4:06AM. Gibson was released at 9:45 a.m. A spokesman for the Los Angeles Country Sheriff's Department told TMZ, "Mel Gibson was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. He was released later this morning. The investigation was still ongoing, just like it would be with any other person."A rep for Gibson tells TMZ they are "checking into" the matter. Click here for Sheriff's Inmate Info. Center -- type in "Gibson, Mel" and hit search. EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: A sheriff's official told TMZ Gibson had a blood alcohol level of .12. The legal limit in the state of California is .08. This is very sad news for Mel Gibson. Needless to say, we'll be staying on top of the story. Stay tuned. Update, 10:29pm Matt Drudge, who is always interested in things related to Mel Gibson, has picked up on the story at the Drudge Report. Also, USA Today has added some background information on the story. Update, 11:20pm The Associated Press news wire has come out with its coverage of the story, confirming that Mel Gibson had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12 percent - 0.04 [not 0.4 as earlier claimed*] percent above the legal limit. Mel Gibson's spokesperson, Alan Nierob, said he was "looking into the matter." Update, 6:30am TMZ has a second post that details some unfortunate remarks that TMZ claims were made by Mel Gibson during his arrest. If these comments are verified, we can expect them to receive a great deal of attention. Update, 3:05pm TMZ is now accusing the L.A. County Sheriff's Deparment of an attempted cover-up. Update, 3:45pm Deadline Hollywood Daily counter-claims that its sources say there is no cover-up. Update, 6:00pm Mel Gibson apologizes for DUI and "despicable" statements: full text Update, 9:15pm For further updates, return to the homepage. [Discuss this post in the Apocalypto Watch Forum now!] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, DUI *Thanks to reader DC for catching the error.

Cast profile: Dalia Hernandez (Seven)

Dalia Hernandez is a Mexian actress who is making her debut in Mel Gibson's Apocalypto. Mel's Megafans covered some earlier speculation that said Kate Del Castillo or Iazua Larios might have the role of Seven, but Dalia Hernandez came through in the end for the role of lead actress. She will be co-starring alongside Rudy Youngblood, who is playing the lead role of Jaguar Paw. Here is a picture of her alongside Rudy: Here are more pictures (we presume) showing Dalia Hernandez's charecter in the movie: If you have any more information regarding this young actress, please email us! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Dalia Hernandez

Apocalypto "officially" enters post-production

With filming having wrapped up in Veracruz, Apocalypto has officially entered post-production (as the Internet Movie Database confirms). Mel Gibson left a parting present to the people of Veracruz, Mexico in the form of donated money to help build houses for the poor. Read more. In the next weeks, Apocalypto Watch will be providing a series of cast member profiles so you can learn more about who will be appearing in the movie! In the meantime, you can begin by meeting Rudy Youngblood and Mauricio Amuy. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

30,000 page views + new advertising opportunities

ApocalyptoWatch has received well over 30,000 page views this year (thank you!). We've also upgraded our BlogAds advertisement system to version 3.0, so feel free to check out the new features and rates through the links on the left sidebar. Any questions can be emailed to "apocalyptowatch [at] gmail.com" (without the quotes).

High-Quality stills from the Apocalypto Teaser

Mediatropical has extracted some high-quality stills from the Apocalypto teaser trailer. Enjoy! (click on images for full-size) You can view the rest here.

Cinematographer happy with Apocalypto's digital filming

From the New York Times: Dean Semler, who shot "Click" and "Apocalypto," a Mayan historical adventure movie directed by Mel Gibson, said he was impressed by the Panavision camera's sensitivity in low-light situations when he was in the Mexican jungle. Some cinematographers may hold out for higher-resolution digital cameras, Mr. Semler said, but then added: "I'm looking at my images, and it doesn't matter. It looks fabulous on the screen to me." [More...] Dean has been interviewed before concerning the use of digital cinematography in Apocalypto.

Mel Gibson donating money to build houses for the poor in Veracruz, Mexico

Mel is giving the people of Veracruz a generous goodbye present as Apocalypto filming ends: VERACRUZ, Mexico - Mel Gibson, about to wrap up the filming of his Mayan epic, "Apocalypto," in the jungles of Mexico's Veracruz state, is donating money to build houses for poor people in the region. The 50-year-old director-actor will donate the money through the Rotary Club and Mexico's family welfare agency, government officials announced Thursday. Officials said the donation will be used to construct homes for poor residents of the port city of Veracruz and the city of San Andres Tuxtla. Gibson began filming "Apocalypto," which follows the journey of a Mayan hero on the run through the rain forests of pre-Columbian Mexico, last fall. Like his 2004 religious blockbuster, "The Passion of the Christ," which was shot in Aramaic and Latin, "Apocalypto" is being done in an ancient tongue, Yucatec Maya. The action adventure is set for release Dec. 8. This is not Gibson's first demonstration of generosity in Mexico. Last October, he met with President Vicente Fox to announce that he would donate $1 million to help Mexico recover from Hurricane Stan. [source] [Discuss this post in the Apocalypto Watch Forum now!] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

Apocalypto featured in July issue of Premiere Magazine

From ApocalyptoWatch reader Claymore: "Mel Gibson's Apocalypto is in the July issue (#353) of French "Première" magazine." (click for full-size images) Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

A quick cast overview for Apocalypto

Not much is known at this time about the actors and actresses in the movie Apocalypto, but here is some information: IMDB links: Dalia Hernandez .... Seven Mayra Serbulo Gerardo Taracena .... Middle Eye Raoul Trujillo .... Zero Wolf Rudy Youngblood .... Jaguar Paw Wikipedia links: Rudy Youngblood .... Jaguar Paw Dalia Hernández .... Seven We hope to expand our own information on these actors and actresses in the coming months. So check back soon! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

The Envelope mentions Apocalypto as an Oscar Contender

By Tom O'Neil: "...And considering how much voters love actors-turned-directors, two past champs are back in the running: Mel Gibson ("Apocalypto") and Clint Eastwood ("Flags of Our Fathers"). And there's another decorated actor who's relatively new to directing: Robert De Niro ("The Good Shepherd")." Hey, any mention ... is a good mention. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Oscars

"Movie trailers have become an art form" - Statesmen Journal

... and Apocalypto's trailer gets a mention: "...And No. 5 brings us to the trailers that truly tease viewers. I've seen the bizarre trailer for Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" (which opens in December) several times, and it leaves me wanting more. I'm not sure if the trailer makes me want to see the movie or just check Gibson in to a psychiatric ward. Either way, it's compelling stuff." [source] You can watch the Apocalypto teaser trailer here. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson