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Mel Gibson’s Redemption: Are ‘Blood Father’ And ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Enough?

By Stacey Cole
Published on: 03:45 PST, Sep 12, 2016

Mel Gibson’s joy knew no bounds when Hacksaw Ridge, his upcoming movie, won a standing ovation at the recently held Venice Film Festival, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The standing ovation comes as redemption for the Patriot actor, who created uproar in the world of cinema in 2006 when he hurled anti-Semitic insults at a Jewish police officer when he was arrested for drunken driving. Mel Gibson had long been struggling with alcohol abuse, and the incident proved to be the turning point that sent his career spiraling.

Later, the court directed the actor to attend self-help meetings to reform himself, and even though the authorities let Mel Gibson off lightly, Hollywood’s glitterati was not going to allow the notorious actor to get away with his actions that easily.

In addition to his anti-Semitic rant, Mel Gibson has drawn the ire of many factions in show business by making homophobic statements. The actor’s remarks and views were found to be so offensive by major studios and agencies that they decided to shun the actor who had previously directed inspirational movies like Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ.

The widespread boycott of Mel Gibson almost sabotaged his career, and for many critics, his career as a mainstream celebrity was all but over. However, Mel Gibson did not allow the constant derision to get him down, and to his credit (and to the surprise of many), he seems to have earned a second chance in show business with his newest movie Hacksaw Ridge.

Gibson’s new film project clearly bears testimony to his fantastic storytelling ability as the director knows how to draw the audiences into the story through content that is both emotional and intense. Hacksaw Ridge tells the story of Desmond Doss, an unarmed Army medic who single-handedly saves the lives of 75 wounded soldiers who fought in the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

Through Desmond Doss’s story, Mel Gibson aims to show that everyone has the potential to make a difference in the world by overcoming whatever odds they are facing. Before his heroic deeds, Desmond Doss was mocked, bullied, and charged for insubordination when he refused to pick up arms. However, Desmond unleashed the hero within him by swinging into action in times of calamity and, ultimately, fulfilling his duty while standing by his ideals and beliefs.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mel Gibson delivers a positive message that proves to be motivational during times of struggle.

“We are a bunch of people full of flaws. So to try and overcome those negative things in ourselves, which are born in us – a good way to that is to choose love.”

Despite drawing criticism from various factions within Hollywood, Mel Gibson has also managed to garner support from many fellow actors, including Robert Downey Jr. and Helen Hunt. And the latest celebrity to join Mel Gibson’s group of supporters is William H. Macy, Mel’s co-star in Blood Father.

If Hacksaw Ridge is regarded as Mel Gibson’s redemption, then the newly released Blood Father may even be thought of as the actor’s concrete step towards career rehabilitation. Blood Father shows Mel Gibson playing the role of ex-convict fighting to protect his teenage daughter who is being vehemently pursued by the Mexican drug cartel.

Blood Father has won critical acclaim, and many film critics feel that the movie might be the actor’s resurgence in the mainstream cinema. The New Daily reports that Mel Gibson’s latest success as an actor has given him the opportunity to be regretful about his past actions and to finally reform his behavior. For co-stars like William Macy, it is always an honor to work with the legendary actor, who had made it to the top ever since he entered the business in 1976.

According to News Australia, a flattered Macy spoke about his excitement while working with Mel Gibson.

“I have been a fan forever. He’s such a guy’s guy. And he’s got such a strong core. He can be dangerous as an actor and I really like that.”

[Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images]

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