LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Talk about a hard sell: this movie stars unknown actors speaking an obscure language and is directed by a man whose off-screen behavior has outraged many.

Figuring out a way to market Mel Gibson's latest movie, "Apocalypto," has many experts scratching their heads. Unlike "The Passion of the Christ," Gibson's last film, "Apocalypto's" tale of human sacrifice among the ancient Mayans has no built-in audience of millions of Christians to draw on.

The movie also has to overcome months of bad publicity Gibson received after he was arrested for drunk driving and flew into an anti-Semitic rant at the arresting officer.

Gibson has teamed with Walt Disney Co. to market and distribute the film, which debuts on December 8, and he has already begun testing audience reaction by showing unfinished prints to audiences in Oklahoma and Texas.

Disney spokesman Dennis Rice said the studio believes "Apocalypto" will have broad appeal despite the subtitles, subject matter and controversy surrounding Gibson.

"If it's a good movie, people are going to see it," Rice said. "One of the great things about Mel Gibson is that he is a great filmmaker and he has a proven track record," he added, referring to the success Gibson has had with such films as "Passion" and the Oscar-winning "Braveheart."

Rice said Gibson will actively promote the film which will be marketed as "Mel Gibson's Apocalypto." Gibson has publicly apologized for his remarks during the arrest and offered a long interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer to explain what happened.

Gibson has said he hopes to find a wide audience for the film about a pre-Columbian villager who is captured by Mayans to be used as a sacrifice to appease their gods.

"One doesn't ever make a work of art for an elite. I think that is a very selfish and big mistake," Gibson said.

The film, which cost Gibson's Icon Productions an estimated $30 million to make, was shot in Veracruz, Mexico, using local people who had never acted.

A few reviews based on the rough cut screenings have been positive. But industry experts wonder whether the film's association with Gibson would taint it for moviegoers.

Bush: 'Critical' to defeat enemy in Iraq President Bush said Wednesday that he is concerned about the situation in Iraq, but it is "critical" that U.S. troops remain there and oust the insurgents.

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Source: www.checkfreshnews.com

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