Rare photos from the set of "Apocalypto" (12 photos)

The 2006 film "Apocalypto" still amazes with its wild, primal realism. To recreate the decline of the Mayan civilization, the film crew had to endure a veritable hell in the dense jungles of Mexico. This rare archival footage shows how one of the most ambitious and emotionally charged historical films was made.

1. For the filming, the creator, director, and screenwriter Mel Gibson invited indigenous people (which undoubtedly added a special atmosphere to the film), descendants of proud Native American peoples. It was crucial for the ubiquitous Mel that they resembled the natives of the pre-Columbian era. While filming a scene in a village whose inhabitants were decimated by a vicious epidemic, the young actress was deeply distressed. But the close-knit group of Mayan descendants readily supported her. This rare shot was taken by assistant cameraman Steve Chester.





2. Everyone's here, the mood is great, which means filming can continue. Mel Gibson, smiling broadly, is ready to give another master class to the aspiring actors. It's going to be very hot on the set in the village, where all the sets were handcrafted.



3. The lead role of Jaguar Paw, Rudy Youngblood, hides from his vicious pursuers, looking into the distance to where enemies lurk at the summit. Camera operator Dean Samler captures a close-up from a ski lift positioned right at the edge of a turbulent river. To prevent slipping and unnecessary injury, Rudy wears a special waterproof lining under his feet.





4. Footage from the filming of this episode (how the native drowned before Jaguar Paw's beloved arrived) never made it into the main edit. The filming itself was challenging (though that could be said of all the filming). The camera was lowered from a lift into the most inaccessible places, where crew members were stationed during rehearsals and equipment setup, acting as guinea pigs or Mayans, depending on their preference.



5. Mel Gibson explains to the elder how to behave and where to look in the next scene. The elder understands absolutely no English, but Mel is undaunted and uses universal sign language. This fascinating Gibson method turned out to be quite successful and, most importantly, effective. Next to the director, an assistant stands in the frame, taking notes and wondering how he manages to find common ground with them!



6. This photo was taken shortly before filming ended. Gibson's beard has grown quite a bit and is growing a thick beard. Well, there's no time to shave, all wrapped up in work, in righteous labors. Look at the aspiring actors, inspired and smiling contentedly. Rudy Youngblood, barefaced, wearing a cap and T-shirt, flashes a toothy smile.



7. The makeup artists are working tirelessly, traversing the jungle with the film crew. In the frame is Raoul Trujillo, who plays the Empty Wolf. A few minor tweaks to the powerful Wolf's appearance, and then we can continue filming the river scene. It won't be easy, and Mel Gibson didn't promise a resort, but a test of endurance is a given.



8. A fascinating shot from the daily work of filming "Apocalypto." During a brutal, deadly battle in the village of Jaguar Paw, the omnipresent Gibson is at the center of the composition, and even in such an adrenaline-pumping scene, something prompts the actors.



9. How about we take a photo as a souvenir? Why not? A photo shoot with the locals was in high demand among Hollywood filmmakers. The future Oscar winners, tired from the daily grind of filming, smiled eagerly. Just kidding, the Academy Award tycoons didn't give them an Oscar. But in their dedication and persuasiveness, they were no worse than some of the winners of mainstream film awards.



10. The village set would soon be dismantled, and the rookie actors decided to take a group photo for a lasting and memorable moment. After a heavy rain, the set turned into a mud rink, but with time running out in such extreme conditions, Mel Gibson was forced to continue filming.



11. Gibson explains the direction to take and where the camera will be. These actors, of course, don't speak English. And guess what? They understood the director with half a word, or more accurately, with half a gesture and a glance. Gibson's exclusive linguistic method in action.



12. At the film premiere, Rudy Youngblood is unrecognizable without makeup. But we all know: "the main thing is that the suit fits." And Rudy knows this. So do the other actors in the film. After the triumphant premiere, photographers found themselves on the red carpet, blinded by their flashbulbs, these hard-working guys, who for a while felt like movie stars.