When Paul told the Corinthians that the human body was an "earthen vessel" for the spirit, he hardly had "claymation figures" in mind.
But that's what Mel Gibson's company -- Icon Entertainment -- is giving the world this year for Easter."The Miracle Maker," the clay-animated feature based on the life of Jesus, will air locally on ABC on Easter Sunday. Several movie stars voice the parts -- including Ralph Fiennes, William Hurt, Julie Christie and Ian Holm. And the buzz is a new technique that combines clay figures with two-dimensional and computer animation may be the first foray into a brave new world. Director Derek Hayes says they were trying to produce the effect of "moving paintings," which, he says, seems very appropriate for a Bible story.
Those who've previewed the film have been impressed.
"The production quality is superb," says Dick Rolfe, CEO and founder of the Dove Seal of Approval. "When most people think of claymation they think of the California Raisins or Gumby. But this takes claymation to a whole new level. It is a bit distracting at first because you're not used to seeing claymation done with this extraordinary technique. But you quickly forget you're watching animation and become engaged with the story."
That story, of course, is the "sweet story of old" that is told every Easter. Here, however, writer Murray Watts opts to describe the events through the eyes of a child. Tamar, the daughter of a Pharisee named Jairus, is drawn to Jesus and becomes a follower. Under her watchful gaze, Lazarus is raised from the dead, Mary Magdalene is healed, Jesus is tried, crucified and eventually resurrected.
For the production, Watts and others relied on Christian and Jewish scholars to ensure everything from the fishing boats to the various plants were authentically re-created.
To ensure quality, the 90-minute film features 24 frames per second, making it a true epic effort.
ABC is hoping it will become an epic success.
"We need this to be a huge hit," says Judith Tukich, director of Special Projects for ABC. "If we can make it huge hit, we can show it on Easter Sunday every year. So we're hoping we'll get a nice big number."
Tukich says this is one project that she cares about personally and hopes people who care about family programing will see it.
"If it works, I'd hope we would be able to do more things like it," she says.
Dick Rolfe of Dove Seal will be watching the Easter returns closely as well.
"The script is not word for word from the Bible, but the nature of Jesus and the miracles he performs makes his sovereignty clear," Rolfe says. "And the movie has several different layers. This is the first network special that has ever received the Dove Seal. The production is very compelling."
Now ABC will watch carefully to see if the American public feels compelled to tune it in.