Whatever about his private life, Mel Gibson has proved time and time again that he is one of the most gifted storytellers Hollywood has.
His latest film, Hacksaw Ridge, is a true story of a soldier in World War 2 who was also a pacifist; he essentially went into battle without a gun in order to help the injured - saving 75 lives. Andrew Garfield takes the lead role and both he and the film have been showered with plaudits since reviews broke out of Venice - where it just premiered.
Last night the film received a 10-minute standing ovation as the credits rolled. Vince Vaughn, Hugo Weaving, Teresa Palmer and Luke Bracey also star in the production which was filmed in Australia - hence the Aussie heavy cast.
Ridge is being released in early November and should be very much part of the awards conversation. We should have a date here soon after.
