Chapter 67: The Controversy Begins

"Charles, you need to change your car!" Liv Tyler said weakly, lying on top of Charles.

In a Ferrari 360, Charles held Liv Tyler as he reclined in the seat and nodded in agreement, "I'll get an SUV tomorrow. It's more convenient!"

He regretted not driving the Mercedes A GT; at least it had more space than this 360.

"Uhh," Liv Tyler kissed Charles again before turning and sitting in the passenger seat, her disheveled clothing showing how fiercely they had been engaged.

"My boyfriend and I are planning to get married in the Caribbean for Christmas!"

"Oh, this is your pre-wedding indulgence!" Charles immediately understood.

Later, Charles drove Liv Tyler to the villa in Santa Monica Palisades. After that night, they might not contact each other anymore, so he treasured the moment.

Meanwhile, Charles' investment, The Passion of the Christ, finally found a distributor, a small independent company called Newmarket Films.

Newmarket Films planned to release The Passion of the Christ next year, about three months from now.

However, controversy had already begun, with IB leading the charge, calling it "full of errors and bizarre."

Mel Gibson, facing enormous controversy, started to defend himself: "Christ became human, and we became executioners. The Passion of the Christ is the greatest hero story ever told, and also the greatest adventure and love story."

The Passion of the Christ sparked significant religious controversy between Catholics and Jews. After Newmarket Films took over distribution, the film remained highly talked about.

Jews and Catholics started large-scale debates, with some Jewish groups even accusing the film of being anti-Semitic.

However, Charles had already had the producers made religious authorities to view the film. They confirmed it didn't go against teachings and stayed true to the Bible, endorsing the movie.

Initially, Charles was just an investor and rarely participated formally in the film. However, relentless reporters blocked him at the entrance of the film company.

"What the hell did Entertainment Weekly write!? Accusations of anti-Semitism and sparking Hollywood's religious wars?" Charles ripped up the newspaper in his office. He would never dare wear the label of anti-Semitism.

"Okay, Charles, it's just a tabloid, like the World Journal, always reporting fake news," Evelyn Carpe consoled from the side.

"Look, serious publications like the Denver Post, the Dallas Morning News, and the San Francisco Chronicle reported that The Passion of the Christ respected the Bible."

"The Christian Science Monitor has numerous positive reviews from Washington's elites and Christian authorities!"

Charles walked to the office window and pulled open the curtains, able to see reporters waiting outside the company entrance.

"Are the Jews afraid of reopening old wounds?" Charles squinted his eyes, the thoughts in his mind growing rapidly.

"Charles," Evelyn quickly grabbed her son's hand, "don't be impulsive. I know the reporters are annoying, but you must not say these things outside."

"The dirty deeds they've done, they don't want others to mention. They always place themselves in a vulnerable position," Charles was angry but also somewhat admiring their strength. 

"Charles, reporters are just chasing news. Just ignore them," Evelyn was worried Charles' young and fiery temperament might lead him to say something inappropriate in response to reporters' provocations.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. This won't affect me in any way. I just..." Charles shook his head helplessly. "When the movie is released, the results will shut them up!" Charles said calmly.

What were the reporters mocking? Just that filming a potentially loss-making film risked offending the Jews. It was like when Martin Scorsese offended Christians with The Last Temptation of Christ, which was a box-office flop.

"It's almost Christmas. Why don't you take a vacation to Miami, the Caribbean, or Europe? Get some rest. What do you think?" Evelyn, worried about her son's temper, feared he might say something he shouldn't under the reporters' provocations.

"Is that necessary? My two movies, Wedding Crashers and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, are in pre-production, not to mention I'm preparing to acquire Pacific Theatres right now," Charles frowned.

"Besides, the central figure of controversy is Mel Gibson. The film is his project. Then there's James Caviezel playing Jesus. I didn't discuss much with him or other supporting cast members."

Evelyn Carpe lightly patted her own forehead and advised, "Will you not be upset by the reporters' interviews? If you lose control, it will affect your image."

"Come on, lose control?" Charles looked puzzled. "You don't think I'd react like I used to, do you?"

With a shocked expression, Charles spread his hands and said, "Now I'm a millionaire, why would I cause trouble for myself over such matters?"

"Alright then," seeing that Charles was logical, Evelyn let it go.

A little later, when the reporters seemed to have left, Charles went home.

"Charles, why did you choose to invest in The Passion of the Christ? Aren't you worried about sparking another round of religious debates?" As soon as Charles stepped out of the door, a reporter blocked him at his car, asking questions.

"Folks, The Passion of the Christ was viewed by Evangelicals from Colorado Springs, religious leaders from Pennsylvania, and church leaders from Southern California. The film adheres to the teachings and is entirely loyal to the Bible.

Like many believers said, The Passion of the Christ is a film ultimately about love, with no intention of sparking debates with Judaism, just about the greatest story of love!"

"Okay, okay, excuse me, I'm heading home now. Goodbye!"

Reporters persisted: "So does this film contain anti-Semitic ideas?"

"Religious-themed films have seldom been valued in Hollywood. Why did you choose to invest?"

Charles was too lazy to respond, honking as he drove away from the entrance. He shouldn't have paid attention to those reporters.

Fortunately, he was just an investor. Charles couldn't imagine what it would be like for Mel Gibson, the project leader, dealing with the reporters.

Sigh, such is fate.

*****

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