Can Hollywood repeat the phenomenon?
“The problem is, people who don’t believe in the Bible tend to do a terrible job of re-creating it on film,” Nicolosi says. “Mel’s film undeniably comes from a heart that has embraced the story of Jesus and that is theologically informed,” Nicolosi says, though others – including Catholic theologians – have questioned his interpretation of Scripture. “There aren’t a lot of other A-list directors in Hollywood for whom the Bible holds that same kind of place.” “I think biblical films are going to find their way back on the silver screen,” said Melissa Richter, owner of Richter Strategic Communications in Toronto. Richter has promoted films including the Book of Revelation-based Left Behind: The Movie, a grassroots success for the faith-based movie company Cloud Ten Pictures. “What remains to be seen is if major Hollywood studios are willing to take a leap of faith and produce films, either in partnership with a Christian film studio or alone, that will satisfy a massive Christian audienc
