"Apocalypto" is on. I canNOT fathom how a jerk like Mel GIBSON can make a GREAT work of art

[UTUSN]

This thing was debutting when he was having his meltdown. Does somebody like him in Hollywood just PAY people to make things happen? I've been told here before, geniuses of the "mad" variety or otherwise come in all varieties, fine.

But this movie. with the ancient language and culture, is SO accepting. How did this dude empathize somewhere else except with the people around him now.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. It's very possible to be both talented and a jerk.

The world is full of brilliant assholes, and I think Gibson might be one of them. By all reports he's an awful person, but some of his movies have been first-rate. "The Year of Living Dangerously" and "Gallipoli" are a couple of my all-time favorites. Those date from the early '80s, before Gibson really jumped the rails, but no question the guy is talented.

[shenmue]

2. True

[UTUSN]

3. Is it all about paying writers?

Writers:
Mel Gibson, Farhad Safinia

Farhad Safinia is a writer and producer, known for Apocalypto (2006), Boss (2011) and Outside the Box (2001). He has been married to Laura Regan since 2007.

Laura Regan was born in 1977 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is an actress and producer, known for Unbreakable (2000), They (2002) and Dead Silence (2007). She has been married to Farhad Safinia since 2007.

[Inkfreak]

4. Such a good movie.

It's a weird thing liking an assholes work. I know what ya mean.

66% on Rotten Tomatoes (critics)
79% - Users

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/mobile/m/apocalypto/?nopopup=true

The Users have it right, IMO.

[rug]

5. He made some very good movies, that one included.

Robert Downey, Jr., who I admire, had kind words foe Mel Gibson a few years ago.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/10/15/mel-gibson-robert-downey-jr-forgive-rehab-american-cinematheque-award-ceremony-air-america/

No one is a total jerk.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

6. I've wondered the same thing, about that same movie, too.