Mel Gibson's Passion and 'The Passion of the Christ'

Brian McFarlane investigates the controversy and hype surrounding Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' (2003). What were Gibson's intentions and motivations, sub-conscious or otherwise? What role did the Australian media have in either confusing or enhancing the public's understanding of the religious and moral issues raised by the film? And how does the film itself stand up as an artistic work?