Four new Apocalypto film clips!

Reader Hidai has a great find for us tonight: "There are FOUR movie clips, each in either Quicktime or Windows Media Player format! All of those clips, even for their short length really had me at the edge of my seat. You really truly get to see the amazing cinematography in the film as well as the score!" *spoiler warning* - remember, these are clips from the actual movie! Here are the links: "Sacrifice" [Windows Media Player] [Quicktime] "Arrows" [Windows Media Player] [Quicktime] "Waterfall" [Windows Media Player] [Quicktime] "Out on a Limb" [Windows Media Player] [Quicktime] Awesome tip! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

Entertainment Weekly puts Mel & Apocalypto on its front cover!

Yes, it's true! EW has an exclusive interview with Mel! You can read the entire interview right here: "The Year of Living Dangerously" In the shadow of a drunk-driving arrest, Mel Gibson prepares to unveil ''Apocalypto,'' a thriller about a Mayan villager trying to outrun extinction itself. In a four-hour interview, he opens up to EW about directing movies -- and exorcising demons "His skin is less pasty. His blue eyes shine a little brighter. Today, on a breezy afternoon in late November, Mel Gibson is looking a lot more like his old megastar self than he did six weeks earlier, when he went on the air with Diane Sawyer to apologize for the most disastrous performance of his career - the one involving a DUI bust and some anti-Semitic ramblings on a highway near his home in Malibu. ''Well, you know,'' he notes of that puffy-looking appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, as he swivels in an office chair at his company, Icon Productions, in Santa Monica, ''the camera does add 10 pounds.'' "Gibson has a few more pounds yet to shed - the one or two tons weighing on his shoulders, to be specific. He's still explaining himself to friends and colleagues, and still hoping that his slurs (such as the one about Jews starting all wars) won't cause too much havoc at the box office when his new movie, Apocalypto, opens on Dec. 8. Unlike his last film, The Passion of the Christ, the 2004 Crucifixion saga that set off a storm of protests from Jewish leaders (and ended up grossing $370 million domestically), this one wasn't supposed to be controversial. Apart from the fact that the cast is entirely unknown and the dialogue is in the Mayan dialect of Yucatec, Apocalypto is a return to form for Gibson - an action movie filled with over-the-top stunts and breathtaking violence. Early on, a peaceful Mayan village is brutally razed by a band of warriors looking for victims to sacrifice to the sun god. A young father named Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) manages to hide his pregnant wife and son before being enslaved. After an escape the gods themselves seem to have engineered, Jaguar hurtles back through the forest in a darkly thrilling race to save his family. All the while, he's pursued by the most ferocious of his enemies. How Apocalypto fares at the box office will be seen as a measure of how much damage Gibson has done to his career, though, in fairness, the subtitles could scare more people off than anything the director said during his run-in with the police. In the following pages, EW asks the 50-year-old movie star-turned-director-turned-headline magnet about everything from anti-Semitism to the end of the world as we know it." [Read the entire interview.] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena, poster

New Apocalypto poster!

A new variation of the Apocalypto poster, discovered by AW reader Hidai! (click for full-size version) Update: We've also confirmed that a variation of this poster is being used on many highway billboard signs across the United States. Post below in the comments box if you've seen one! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena, poster

Gibson preps for 'Apocalypto' release: Disney employs unorthodox marketing for controversial pic - Variety

From Variety: The marketing campaign for Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" continues to be as unpredictable as the filmmaker himself. Following screenings at 64 college campuses and an Indian reservation this week, "Apocalypto" gets an all-media screening tonight. It's all part of Disney's unorthodox approach to the very unorthodox film, which has been shrouded in controversy since Gibson unleashed a drunken, anti-Semitic tirade over the summer. The film opens on more than 2,500 screens Dec. 8 -- Disney upped the number from 2,000 due to an enthusiastic response from exhibitors who saw the film on Monday. There will be no splashy Hollywood premiere for "Apocalypto"; instead, Gibson will appear Friday at a preem in Oklahoma benefiting the Chickasaw Nation. Disney is also making a push with Latino and Native American [audiences]. On Tuesday, Los Angeles' Latin Business Assn. hosted a screening of the movie in Century City. But it's not entirely a renegade plan. Disney execs decided Wednesday that they will send screeners to all branches of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences -- a contrast with the subdued, almost non-existent Oscar push for "The Passion of the Christ." And next week, Gibson will hold a press conference for the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., arbiters of the Golden Globes. Gibson will also grace the next cover of Entertainment Weekly. [We'll be covering that shortly - AW] Despite such appearances by Gibson, Disney is banking on [audiences] judging the movie, not the man who made it. "I would like to have everyone -- the press, the public, the Academy, the critics -- to judge the movie and the director on the artistic merits of 'Apocalypto' only," Disney senior VP of publicity Dennis Rice told Daily Variety. "That's the best I can hope for." To this end, Disney has been aggressively screening the film for members of niche groups to whom the film will mostly likely appeal and are presumably less sensitive to Gibson's personal foibles. "It's an action genre film, and that is the demo for that," said Gibson's publicist Alan Nierob. "They love it, they get it, they cheer, they're animated." Younger auds are also less likely to be upset by the film's extreme violence. As for students' concern with Gibson's drunken rant during his arrest last summer, Nierob said: "It's not even an issue. It doesn't exist. They're looking at the film." Early buzz from the critics has been positive. (Daily Variety's review will run Monday.) [source.] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

Gibson to unveil "Apocalypto" in Oklahoma - Associated Press

The Associated Press reports: Actor and director Mel Gibson plans to unveil his new movie "Apocalypto" during a special screening Friday in OklahomaThe movie, set for a broader release on December 8th, will be shown in a 15-hundred-seat theater at the Riverwind Casino. Gibson visited the casino in September for two private pre-screenings of the film. Gibson is expected to attend the event, which is being hosted by the Chickasaw Nation. His Oklahoma City publicist, Jhane Myers, says that Gibson previously has released his films in New York or Los Angeles. She says his decision to unveil "Apocalypto" in Oklahoma is his way of giving back to the Indian people. She says Gibson will use the screening as a fundraiser and plans to match every dollar raised through ticket sales and corporate sponsorship, with proceeds to go to the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, the Lupus Foundation-Oklahoma City Chapter, the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa and the Mayan people of Mexico. [source] The ticket price is $55. More information here. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

Embedded Video: Three New Apocalypto TV Spots!

Comingsoon.net has compiled links to all the Apocalypto teasers, trailers, featurettes and TV Spots. Here is the embedded video of the three newest TV Spots ... enjoy! Click the Play button (>) to view the videos. Spot 2: Spot 3: Spot 4 (our favorite): Here are the links to the originals: TV Spot 1 - 'Interview' (11.27.06): [QuickTime, Hi-Res] [QuickTime, Med-Res] [QuickTime, Lo-Res] [Windows Media Player, Hi-Res] [Windows Media Player, Lo-Res] TV Spot 2 (11.26.06): [Flash Player] TV Spot 3 (11.26.06): [Flash Player] TV Spot 4 (11.26.06): [Flash Player] Thanks to reader Josh for the tip! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

Apocalypto added to Golden Globe list for best foreign language film

From Variety: The awards season saw a new plot twist Monday as the Golden Globes included "Apocalypto" and "Letters From Iwo Jima" on its shortlist of foreign-language films -- though neither is eligible for an Oscar in the foreign-language category. [More] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

Apocalypto in the news: Nov. 28 edition

A few semi-random samplings of Apocalypto in the news and around the net: Reuters: "But there are a few other unknown quantities that could swoop in and earn one of the five drama nominations. Perhaps the biggest question mark is Disney's "Apocalypto," the Mel Gibson Mayan adventure that takes place in a dead language and features a cast of unknowns...A few early screenings of "Apocalypto" did seem to suggest that it had something unique to offer, though, and if "Passion" proved anything, it's that the industry shouldn't discount what might seem like a wholly unmarketable project." McClatchy Newspapers: "Apocalypto: Curiosity is high around this subtitled, action-heavy historical drama about the ancient Mayan civilization..." Variety: "But the word has seeped out: From Gibson's troubled mind has emerged yet another brilliant exercise in filmmaking, extremely violent, yet compelling. The inner demons that play havoc with his personal life continue to energize his creative vision." Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

A clarification on Rahat Nusrat Fateh Aki Khan

This sent in by AW reader Antonius Bloch: The Wikipedia text you have for Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is mistaken. You accidentally took the bio of his uncle, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who died in 1997. Rahat is his successor in this spiritual form of Sufi music called Qawwali (which finds its home in Pakistan and India). James Horner used Rahat in the score of "The Four Feathers." Although in "The Four Feathers" he was used more "intensely" than typical Qawwali, you can see him performing Qawwali here [YouTube link]. There is a short bio of him at Wikipedia here and Answers.com here. Also, this website has some good information. It will be interesting to hear how Horner uses him in "Apocalypto" since he has a distinctly Persian/Indian sound. But as I said, in "The Four Feathers," he sounded very intense and ancient - though that film was a British and Muslim film so he fit perfectly. Nevertheless, if he's used properly (which I'm sure Horner has done), he will bring a very "dark and ancient" feel to the primitive sounding score. Thanks for the excellent research, Antonius! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena, Soundtrack, RAHAT NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN

More details on the Apocalypto soundtrack

First, a much nicer picture of the soundtrack cover (sent in by Hidai): Second, a correct track listing: 1. From the Forest... (1:55) 2. Tapir Hunt (1:31) 3. The Storyteller's Dream (3:41) 4. Holcane Attack (9:28) 5. Captives (3:06) 6. Entering the City with a Future Foretold (6:05) 7. Sacrificial Procession (3:40) 8. Words Through the Sky - The Eclipse (5:11) 9. The Games and Escape (5:15) 10. An Elusive Quarry (2:15) 11. Frog Darts (2:45) 12. No Longer The Hunted (5:50) 13. Civilisations Brought by Sea (3:20) 14. To the Forest... (7:41) Total Playing Time: 60:33 You can order a copy of the soundtrack from Amazon here. Keep sending in those tips! Update: Another version of the Soundtrack covere is viewable here. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena, Soundtrack

What is the running time of Apocalypto?

Since several people have asked the question, the running time for Apocalypto is 125 minutes (2hrs, 5 minutes).

Apocalypto mobile store "coming soon"

Here is the address. (click image for full-size) Any clues what this might involve? Update: After a little behind-the-scenes research, we've discovered that the following services will eventually be made available through this page: ringtones, "true tones," and cell phone wallpapers. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena, Apocalypto Mobile

"Lost Kingdom: Mel Gibson's Apocalypto" - ABC Primetime

All the text and videos from the interview are available here. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena, Diane Sawyer, ABC, Primetime

"Secrets of ancient civilization revealed to those who visit Yucatan"

Here is a good article for those interested in the locations where Apocalypto was filmed as well as the rich history of its inhabitants: This winter, Yucatan's mysterious Maya will be invading theaters near you, courtesy of Mel Gibson's epic "Apocalypto." In all likelihood, the release will inspire many Americans to return the favor, visiting sites such as this ruined city in Mexico, as well as others in Guatemala and Honduras. And for the hurricane-battered Yucatan peninsula, between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, a movie-motivated influx couldn't come at a better time. In contrast with his billion-dollar, box-office bonanza, "The Passion of the Christ," controversial director Gibson's new film is about Central America's pagan Indians who built a massive pyramid I'm about to climb. Just as Gibson is wrapping up filming across the Gulf in the jungles of Veracruz, Mexico, I am staggering up the endless stone steps of El Castillo, which the Maya call Nohoch Muul. -snip- I can understand Gibson's choice of the ancient Maya as a subject for his $50 million film, currently set for a Dec. 8 release by Disney's Touchstone Pictures. This was a pre-Columbian civilization, a complex society that managed to build monumental stone cities, develop a sophisticated astronomical calendar, imagine the mathematical concept of zero and build an extensive network of paved footpaths. They did all of this without metal, beasts of burden, the wheel or the keystone arch. And then, inexplicably, they abandoned their cities and moved to jungle villages such as this one to live on subsistence farming. Gibson's film, in which characters speak Yucatec Mayan, is set at the time of this collapse, probably because of war and famine, around the year 1000. The movie could do for this century's travelers what American adventurer John Lloyd Stephens, and his artist, Englishman Frederic Catherwood, did in their best-selling 19th-century books. For those who wish to imagine themselves in "Apocalypto," Coba offers the opportunity to see restored and reconstructed ruins, as they were around the time Gibson's film is set, as well as partially covered remains still in the wild, as Stephens and Catherwood found them in the 1840s. [Read the full article.]

LA Times: Grappling with the 'Mel factor'

Here are some quotations from this article published by the L.A. Times: Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook believes that moviegoers can separate Gibson's off-screen behavior from his work behind the camera. He noted that the filmmaker once before defied dismal predictions by turning "The Passion of the Christ" into a global blockbuster. "The public is smart enough to differentiate what happens in someone's personal life and their professional life," Cook said. "And, while we knew the marketing mountains we'd have to go up, you realize the movie is in the hands of someone who has conquered all these obstacles before and succeeded in an extraordinary way." ... As part of its effort, Disney will begin aggressively showing the film to exhibitors, college students, critics and other opinion makers as soon as Gibson delivers his final print early next week. The Drudge Report is currently linking to this article. In general it is probably a good thing to be mentioned on the Drudge Report since it will gain the movie more attention. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

Rolling Stone raves about Apocalypto!

Finally a movie review that focuses on the merits of the movie. Take a look at what Rolling Stone had to say about it: Here's a thought: instead of rehashing Mel Gibson's Jew-bashing rants when L.A. cops got him on a DUI in July, let's stick to his movie. Apocalypto brings out what's unique and gripping in Gibson as a director. It's pure adrenaline -- a tremendously exciting chase movie, shot in Mexico, that just happens to be set in ancient Maya with dialogue spoken in Yucatec Maya, with English subtitles. Heck, you lived through Latin and Arabic in Gibson's Passion of the Christ, so don't be a wussy. Actually, you'd better not be gore-shy, because Apocalypto is one brutal and bloody ride. *edited for spoilers* This being Gibson, there's more to the film than the rush. It's impossible not to see parallels to our own cultured civilization, one that knowingly destroys its environment and sends troops to Iraq as human sacrifices. Gibson has made a film of blunt provocation and bruising beauty -- it's breathtaking to watch a jaguar racing in the jungle alongside the man who is named after the beast. Say what you will about Gibson, he's a filmmaker right down to his nerve endings. Peter Travers, who wrote the review, gave Apocalypto a 3.5/4 rating. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, Rudy Youngblood, Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Serbulo, Dalia Hernandez, Gerardo Taracena

Apocalypto soundtrack cover revealed!

Reader Hidai sent this soundtrack cover art (click it for full-size version). Not the most suprising cover, but still good looking. Hidai adds, "The Soundtrack not only is instrumental but also has VOCAL SOLOS as well! It is scheduled to be released on 12/5/2006." You can preorder the soundtrack from Amazon.com here. We just posted the tracklisting for this CD here. We've verified that the lowest line of textreads: "VOCAL SOLOS BY RAHAT NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN." We were able to find out a bit more information on this artist: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan(October 13, 1948 - August 16, 1997), a world-renowned Pakistani musician, was primarily a singer of Qawwali, the devotional music of the Sufis, a mystical sect of Islam. Traditionally, Qawwali has been a family business. Nusrat's family (originally from Afghanistan) has an unbroken tradition of performing qawwali for the last 600 years. [More from Wikipedia] He already has a CD available on Amazon here. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner, RAHAT NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN

Tracklisting for James Horner's Apocalypto score

Thanks to the reader who founds this tracklisting for James Horner's Apocalypto movie score. *spoiler warning* 1. An Illustive Quarry 2. Captives 3. Civilizations Brought By Sea 4. Entering The City With A Future Foretold 5. Forg Darts 6. From The Forest 7. Holcane Attack 8. No Longer The Hunted 9. Sacrificial Procession 10. Tapir Hunt 11. The Games And Escape 12. The Storeyteller's Dream 13. To The Forest 14. Words Through The Sky - The Eclipse It looks like the tracklisting can give us some clues to Apocalypto's plot progression, judging from the way the titles would work together to form a story. Fascinating! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner

Video: New Apocalypto TV Spot released!

AW reader Michael sent this in - an exclusive new Apocalypto TV spot! Michael's comments: Hi mate, A first Apocalypto tv spot has hit the net, and it's pretty cool, even [includes] Gibson giving a little introduction. A real candy is the tiny glimpse we get of the waterfall sequence almost everyone who has seen the rough cut was talking about. An amazing shot! Here is our transcript of what Mel has to say about Apocalypto: Gibson: "Apocalypto means 'a new beginning.'" [cut-out] "Unfortunately, to have a new beginning, something else has to end." "When the end comes... what exactly happened to this people?" The spot does indeed include some good footage of the digitally-filmed chase sequence. Exciting stuff - stay tuned! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Mayans, TV Spot

ABC's Primetime to interview Mel about Apocalypto

From the main page of ABC News: "Coming up on Primetime" Thursday Nov 23, 10 p.m. ET: Diane Sawyer talks to Mel Gibson about his controversial new movie "Apocalypto," his personal struggles and his primal fears. Plus, John Quinones examines the mysteries of the vanished civilization portrayed in the movie Thanks to readers Cindy (who saw the commercial) and Louise. Louise adds: "Looks like they [ABC/Diane Sawyer] have interviewed Mel and will show the area where the movie was filmed. ABC's website says more details will be posted soon." We'll soon be adding this event to the sidebar (where you can watch for other upcoming Apocalypto-related events). Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Mayans, ABC, Primetime, Diane Sawyer

Apocalypto news starting to heat up!

The visitors are starting to pour in as interest continues to rise for Mel Gibson's next movie, Apocaltpto. We're doing our best here at Apocalypto Watch to be the very best fansite we can. So stick with us and we'll be providing you with the lowdown in the coming days and weeks! - The Apocalypto Watch Team

New set of many more Apocalypto images!

Thanks to the anonymous reader who sent in this link, where you can find many more fantastic Apocalypto pictures. Here are a few: Apocalytpo sure is looking good! Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Mayans

New ApocalyptoWatch banner!

Thanks to "J.G8S" for contributing it!

New AW Poll: Do you plan on seeing Apocalypto?

With less than 20 days before Mel Gibson's Apocalypto hits theaters, content will be rolling out more and more quickly at Apocalypto Watch. So keep it tuned here! To kick things off, we've started a new reader poll: "Do you plan on seeing Apocalypto?" And remember - any tips, links or gossip can be sent to: "apocalyptowatch [at] gmail.com" (without the quotes) ... podemos leer espanol!

Official Apocalypto Screensaver released!

The official Apocalypto screensaver has been made available and can be downloaded here. We're using it now and it's pretty cool (basically an animated version of the Apocalypto poster, which can be downloaded in high resolution here). Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Mayans

Mel Gibson tops the "Frigid 50: The Coldest People in Hollywood"

The Associated Press: LOS ANGELES (AP) - Two decades after being chosen as People magazine's first sexiest man alive, Mel Gibson now tops a very different kind of list: Film Threat's annual "Frigid 50: The Coldest People in Hollywood." The independent film Web site on Friday named Gibson No. 1 among the "least-powerful, least-inspiring, least-intriguing people in all of Tinseltown," following the anti-Semitic remarks he made during his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. "He apologized, he got sick of apologizing, he refused to apologize anymore, he didn't want to address the issue, he spoke on nationally broadcast news shows, he spoke at synagogues, he met with Jewish Officials," Film Threat's editors wrote. "But in the end, in all his `I'm really not anti-Semitic' posturing, he never bothered to address how irresponsible he was for driving under the influence in the first place. And now he's got a new movie opening, `Apocalypto,' and the question becomes: who cares?" This is going to make it all the sweeter when Apocalypto wows the world. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Mayans

"Magnificent Mayan civilization stars in Gibson's 'Apocalypto'"

From Kitsapsun Travel: In September, models draped in Mayan calendar prints dazzled the runways at Olympus Fashion Week in New York City as part of Nicole Miller's spring 2007 collection, inspired by a trip to the Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico. Last fall, more than 18 million viewers a week watched CBS's "Survivor: Guatemala - The Maya Empire," as contestants lived amid the age-old ruins. And tourism at Mayan ruins is surging. More than a thousand years after the Classic Mayas vanished from the magnificent cities they built in the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America, interest in their art, beliefs and traditions has never been higher. That attention is likely to peak next month when Mel Gibson's $50 million epic "Apocalypto" opens in theaters nationwide. To be released by Disney's Touchstone Pictures on Dec. 8, the R-rated movie (for graphic violence and disturbing images) focuses on the end of the Mayan civilization. [More...] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, Mayans

"Gibson dives in" - and reaches out to Latinos and Native Americans

L.A. Times: Jhane Myers certainly wasn't expecting a personal phone call from Mel Gibson. "He said, 'Hello, Jhane, I know you don't know me. This is Mel Gibson, and I really would like to have you call me back,' " Myers recalled. When she did, the Oklahoma City public relations executive found herself enlisted in Gibson's grass-roots marketing campaign for his new film, "Mel Gibson's Apocalypto," due in theaters Dec. 8. Two years ago, Gibson reached out to Christians with a carefully orchestrated campaign that helped his film "The Passion of the Christ" become one of the most successful movies of all time, grossing $611 million worldwide. With "Apocalypto" - his visually sumptuous retelling of the fall of the Maya civilization - Gibson is hoping to strike box-office gold once again by wooing Latinos and Native Americans such as Myers, hoping they will identify with his tale of an indigenous culture. [More...] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

Variety's praise for Apocalypto making the news rounds

From ContraCostaTimes: GIBSONIAN APOCALYPSE Variety.com says word has seeped out from screenings of the still-uncompleted "Apocalypto" that the film is "fiercely original" and a "brilliant exercise in filmmaking." [More...] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

Variety asks "'Apocalypto': Masterpiece or misguided?

From Variety.com: Will Hollywood fall victim to the Apocalypto Syndrome? Small screenings of the still-uncompleted film are quietly taking place. The movie is rough around the edges -- temp score and sound, scenes still to be honed. But the word has seeped out: From Mel Gibson's dark, troubled mind has emerged yet another brilliant exercise in filmmaking, extremely violent, yet compelling. The inner demons that play havoc with his personal life continue to energize his creative vision. But how will his work be judged? The film is being released not just as "Apocalypto," but as Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto." Will the very community that understandably has been offended by Gibson's inebriated diatribes be willing to pass fair judgment on his artistic contributions? The film itself represents a defiantly maverick voice. Subtitles run throughout. The cast is totally non-professional. The action is virtually nonstop and the confrontations brutal. A fiercely original work like this normally would be screened and promoted for Oscar nominations and critics plaudits. [More...] It is interesting that no one has any problems admitting that Apocalypto is an excellent movie. Instead, it seems that everyone is only concerned with the personal behavior of Mel Gibson himself. So why is no one willing to separate the art (Apocalypto) from the artist (Mel Gibson)? Hollywood (and the Oscars) have done that many times before, why not now? Thanks to Kate of MediaBistro for sending in the tip. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson

New Apocalypto Wallpapers released!

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

Pre-order James Horner's Apocalypto Score at Amazon.com!

Reader "cu" sent this tip in: Horner finished the recording for the Apocalypto score last week. The film score is scheduled for a release on December 5 from Hollywood Records. It's available for preorder at Amazon.com [right here.] Thanks for the tip! The soundtrack should be excellent from what we've heard. Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, James Horner

Mel Gibson honored by Latino business group

From the Associated Press: BEVERLY HILLS (AP) - Mel Gibson was honored by a Latino business organization Thursday for his upcoming film Apocalypto. Enthusiastic applause greeted the Oscar-winning actor and director as he walked onstage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to receive the Latino Business Association's Chairman's Visionary Award. Gibson answered questions from association Chairman Rick Sarmiento about the film, a Mayan-language epic filmed in Mexico chronicling the decline of the native civilization. [Read the entire article here.] Technorati Tags: Apocalypto, Mel Gibson [photo: Matt Sayles, AP]