Gibson speaks in Mayan tongues

By Joshua Tyler Nov 1, 2005, 5:24 GMT

Good with God director Mel Gibson recently spoke about his next film, a Mayan movie called 'Apocalypto.

In a press conference with Yahoo Movies Gibson described the movie as "an action adventure of mythic proportions." 'Apocalypto' will be the story of the conquest of Central America by the Europeans, as told from the perspective of the invaded Mayans.

Gibson's movie, which he confirms will be spoken entirely in the ancient Mayan dialect of Yucatan, will use a cast comprised almost entirely of local actors when it shoots in Mexico City and the Yucatan. His female lead is a young woman from Veracruz.

Disney is planning the movie as a big 2006 release, though without the backing of religious organizations that 'The Passion' enjoyed, perhaps they should lower their expectations for this one. "Above all, film is a business. Independence is a really cool thing as you can be a bit more bold, and take a few more chances with what you do," says Gibson. Mel's Icon Productions is producing the movie, and Disney will distribute it.

Mel thinks he has an intuitive understanding of Mayan culture. On writing the movie's script he says, "A lot of it I just made up, and when I checked it out with historians and archaeologists, it wasn't that far wrong."

For those of you who find ancient languages intimidating, Gibson confirmed that the movie will be pretty dialogue light. It'll also be gory and full of action, "…although (the Mayan culture) is an integral part of the story, what I am doing is creating an action-adventure of mythic proportions," he says.