It has been sad and sickening to hear of Mel Gibson's violent and obscene rants in public and private. It has been sad because he has produced such good movie work in the past, especially with The Passion of the Christ. It has been sickening to hear obscene language come out of his mouth again, just as it has become increasing commonplace and repulsive  to hear expletives out of the mouths of movie stars and leaders of our nation in public and private.

It has been refreshing to see and hear civil and gracious role models in movies, in public, and in private. David Strathairn is such a refreshing role model, who has been nominated for an Emmy for his work in Temple Grandin. Not only was David a role model as an actor on the screen as Dr. Carlock in Temple Grandin, but he was a role model on the set here in Austin. Many of my film students from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in the Austin region were a core of actors on set with David for many days. He knew all of their names and was consistently gracious with them. They looked to him as a role model on and off the set.  

It has been encouraging to see movie stars like David Strathairn and Sandra Bullock, who have been associated with Austin, live with civility in contrast to the increasing crass behavior of many in the movie industry and in public life. We need more positive and redemptive role models on and off the screen.      

I pray for Mel Gibson and Lindsay Lohan and their loved ones. Mel and Lindsay have been out of control and abusive in public and private. I pray that they can find redemption and civility again.  I am also thankful that we still have some civil and gracious role models in our public and private lives. 

See Dr. Diane Howard's recent film reviews, recommendations and publications.