Gibson Receives Standing Ovation on Leno

Mel Gibson appeared on Jay Leno’s "Tonight Show" – and was greeted by the live audience with a prolonged standing ovation.

Gibson’s appearance on the top-rated late-night program came on the heels of new box office results showing that his new film, "The Passion of the Christ," may be one of the biggest hits of all time.

But box office success hasn’t stopped controversy from swirling around the religious epic.

"Some people thought it was a bad idea," Gibson told Leno about his desire to do the movie on Jesus’ death. The actor said anytime one touches upon politics or religion, that person runs the risk of touching a nerve.

"I didn’t expect to hit a main artery," Gibson said to chuckles from the audience.

Gibson said his film first germinated over a dozen years ago. He said he was unfazed about Hollywood’s criticism of his work.

He said that he discovered in Tinseltown that "you can get a shiv between the shoulder blades and it’s done with a smile."

Still, Gibson said he was shocked by the "pre-judgment and condemnation" that began over a year ago – before anyone had even seen the film.

He told America’s favorite comedian that he was surprised by the attacks against him, including the charge that he was anti-Semitic.

"It’s wrong, it’s unconscionable," he said.

Leno questioned Gibson about the film’s violence.

Gibson readily admitted the film is violent and deserved the R rating it received. But he added that the violence was not "gratuitous" and, in his opinion, drew a different reaction from audiences than from those who, for example, watch horror films.

Gibson said the film’s message is one of tolerance. He told Leno he chose actor James Caviezel to play Jesus because he projected both a childish innocence and masculinity – consistent with the biblical Jesus.

Gibson’s decision to produce "The Passion" may have earned him at least one fan in Hollywood.

"Thanks for the courage of your convictions," Leno told Gibson as he concluded his interview.

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