Mel Gibson honored by Latino business group - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brad Russ · 11-03-2006, 03:49 AM

Congratulations Big Mel!!!

By SOLVEJ SCHOU, Associated Press Writer

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -
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.

No mention was made of Gibson's recent troubles with the law. He made headlines for anti-Semitic comments to police in Malibu when he was arrested in late July on suspicion of drunken driving. He publicly apologized.

In August, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor in a deal that included alcohol rehabilitation, probation and fines.

After watching a screening of "Apocalypto," Sarmiento said, he and the association's board unanimously decided to grant the honor to Gibson. The scandal did not affect the 30-year-old Los Angeles group's decision, he said.

"Hearing him tell the story about using Latino actors, it was a no-brainer," Sarmiento said.

"It's not really a Hollywood production. It's a film made by Mexico, in a way," Gibson told the audience, citing the movie's crew of Latino makeup artists and set designers, and a cast of unknown actors.

He said that casting unknowns was "tantamount to being at the Super Bowl and getting your quarterback from the audience." Gibson originally traveled to Mexico City alone to search for potential actors. He cast one man after spotting him in a juice bar.

Of eating the food in Mexico, Gibson said: "I have the gringo gut. I was crawling around on my hands and knees some days." Trails of laughter met his comment.

Gibson said that his film, scheduled for release by Disney on Dec. 8., is a "badge of honor for the Latino community."

Ireneparalegal · 11-03-2006, 11:28 AM

I am glad for Mel. He is really getting on the right track with his life. He stumbled, fell, and got up again. Sounds like a man I know.
I wish him nothing but the best.

Brad Russ · 11-03-2006, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I am glad for Mel. He is really getting on the right track with his life. He stumbled, fell, and got up again. Sounds like a man I know.
I wish him nothing but the best.

I'm really proud of him too. I'm sure he's got a long way to go, and it's a daily struggle for him, but I have a feeling that he's going to conquer all his demons, and come out a better person for it. You da man Mel!!

Ireneparalegal · 11-03-2006, 12:22 PM

He sure is the man. BTW, my reference abt "sounds like a man I know"...I was referencing Jesus. Just like Jesus stumbled, fell and got up again, so did Mel...just like most of us.

rosered · 11-06-2006, 06:39 PM

I'm really looking forward to Apocalypto. I saw the trailer for it, and it looked great - really intense and cool.

And I've loved Mel's other movies (Braveheart especially is a favorite of mine), so I think that he'll make another great one here. I don't care about his personal problems, just if the movie's good, and it looks great!

Have y'all seen the Apocalypto trailer?? What did you think of it?

Brad Russ · 11-07-2006, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosered

Have y'all seen the Apocalypto trailer?? What did you think of it?

I saw the trailer about 8 months ago in the theatre, and based on it, I thought it looked like a hit or miss movie. When you saw the trailer for The Passion, you just knew based on it alone, that it was gonna be an amazing film. I didn't really get that same feeling watching The Apocalypto one, but I'm still gonna see it when it comes out. Hopefully it'll be good!!

rosered · 11-09-2006, 12:40 PM

They've released a longer trailer now - it's at Apple.com here, and it looks really good. Check it out and tell me what you think?

I've been reading some early screening reviews - some folks saw a rough cut at Fantastic Fest in Texas, and they all seem to indicate that it's getting good reviews. Read something about a massive chase/action sequence through the jungle that's supposed to blow everyone away.

11-03-2006, 03:49 AM	#1
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Mel Gibson honored by Latino business group Congratulations Big Mel!!! By SOLVEJ SCHOU, Associated Press Writer BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - 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. No mention was made of Gibson's recent troubles with the law. He made headlines for anti-Semitic comments to police in Malibu when he was arrested in late July on suspicion of drunken driving. He publicly apologized. In August, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor in a deal that included alcohol rehabilitation, probation and fines. After watching a screening of "Apocalypto," Sarmiento said, he and the association's board unanimously decided to grant the honor to Gibson. The scandal did not affect the 30-year-old Los Angeles group's decision, he said. "Hearing him tell the story about using Latino actors, it was a no-brainer," Sarmiento said. "It's not really a Hollywood production. It's a film made by Mexico, in a way," Gibson told the audience, citing the movie's crew of Latino makeup artists and set designers, and a cast of unknown actors. He said that casting unknowns was "tantamount to being at the Super Bowl and getting your quarterback from the audience." Gibson originally traveled to Mexico City alone to search for potential actors. He cast one man after spotting him in a juice bar. Of eating the food in Mexico, Gibson said: "I have the gringo gut. I was crawling around on my hands and knees some days." Trails of laughter met his comment. Gibson said that his film, scheduled for release by Disney on Dec. 8., is a "badge of honor for the Latino community."
	__________________ St. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Currently my favorite song.

11-03-2006, 11:28 AM	#2
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I am glad for Mel. He is really getting on the right track with his life. He stumbled, fell, and got up again. Sounds like a man I know. I wish him nothing but the best.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

11-03-2006, 12:22 PM	#4
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	He sure is the man. BTW, my reference abt "sounds like a man I know"...I was referencing Jesus. Just like Jesus stumbled, fell and got up again, so did Mel...just like most of us.

11-06-2006, 06:39 PM	#5
rosered Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 20, 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 342	I'm really looking forward to Apocalypto. I saw the trailer for it, and it looked great - really intense and cool. And I've loved Mel's other movies (Braveheart especially is a favorite of mine), so I think that he'll make another great one here. I don't care about his personal problems, just if the movie's good, and it looks great! Have y'all seen the Apocalypto trailer?? What did you think of it?

11-09-2006, 12:40 PM	#7
rosered Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 20, 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 342	They've released a longer trailer now - it's at Apple.com here, and it looks really good. Check it out and tell me what you think? I've been reading some early screening reviews - some folks saw a rough cut at Fantastic Fest in Texas, and they all seem to indicate that it's getting good reviews. Read something about a massive chase/action sequence through the jungle that's supposed to blow everyone away.