President wants to see Gibson's film about Christ

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Bush wants to see the controversial new Mel Gibson film, ``The Passion of the Christ,'' his spokesman said Friday. <br><br>Asked if the president wanted to see the

Friday, February 20th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Bush wants to see the controversial new Mel Gibson film, ``The Passion of the Christ,'' his spokesman said Friday.

Asked if the president wanted to see the Crucifixion drama, opening in U.S. theaters Wednesday, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said, ``I think he does and I think at some point he probably will.''

The White House has a private theater in which presidents can view first-run films.

Gibson directed, financed and co-wrote the movie, which tells the story of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It has become highly controversial even before its opening, with some claiming that it could spark anti-Semitism by making it seem that the Jews as a people were responsible for Christ's death.