Mel Gibson makes first public appearance
Mel Gibson was arrested for drink driving in July
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Monday, 25, Sep 2006 07:50
Mel Gibson has made his first public appearance since his arrest for drink driving in July, appearing at a low-key film festival to promote his new movie, Apocalypto.
The star, who co-wrote and directed the new action-adventure film about the final days of Mexico's ancient Mayan civilization, made a surprise appearance at a festival devoted to new science fiction, horror and fantasy films which took place in Austin, Texas, on Friday, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The trade paper claims that Gibson presented a work-in-progress screening of his new film at the Fantastic Fest event, before taking questions from the audience, during which he expressed criticism for the current war in Iraq.
Describing Apocalypto's central theme of a civilisation in decline, Gibson reportedly said: "The precursors to a civilisation that's going under are the same, time and time again."
Going on to draw parallels between the Mayan civilisation on the brink of collapse and America's present situation, the controversial actor added: "What's human sacrifice, if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?"
However, the Associated Press claims that Gibson was slightly more bashful during earlier screenings of the film in two Oklahoma towns.
According to reports, the star turned up at Cameron University in Lawton, ahead of a screening there on Thursday, wearing a mask and wig so as not to be noticed.
It is claimed that Gibson also attended a screening of Apocalypto at the Riverwind Casino in Goldsby, but that reporters were kept behind partitions during the performance, which Gibson supposedly watched with Native American groups.
Apocalypto is due for release in the US on December 8th.