Mel Gibson is getting ready to direct his next movie, titled Hacksaw Ridge, starring The Amazing Spider-Man’s Andrew Garfield. It’s been 8 years since Gibson has directed anything, but this story must have been just too good to pass up. Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond T Doss, a medic in the US Army. He was credited with saving the lives of 75 men during the battle of Okinawa while evacuating wounded soldiers. He was awarded the medal of honor, two bronze stars, and three purple hearts.
However you feel about Gibson, he has made some great movies in his career, both acting and directing. From Mad Max to Lethal Weapon to Braveheart, the man has talent. He has been the subject of several controversies, from his drunken arrests to antisemitic remarks. Many stars, however, have come to his defense, most notably Jodie Foster, Robert Downey Jr, and Gary Oldman. Oldman has pointed to the hypocrisy of it all, and stated everyone needs to “learn how to take a joke.” He does have a point, everyone says stupid things when drunk, should it be held over his head for years and years?
His latest directorial effort, Apocalypto, was released only six months after his DUI incident, but still opened to critical acclaim, with most critics having the view of “he may have a drinking problem, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is a superb filmmaker.” Apocalypto achieved some over the top praise also, with Robert Duvall calling it the best film he had seen in 25 years. Tarantino called it a masterpiece and the best film of the year, while Spike Lee put it on his list of all-time essential films.
Braveheart won him an Oscar for Best Director, and The Passion of the Christ, notably for its violence and controversy, drew in over $600 million dollars. I think it’s safe to say that Mel Gibson will make something people will notice, and see, regardless of their opinion of him.
Read more: