Rare photos from the set of "Apocalypto" (2006) (12 photos)

For the filming, the creator, director, and screenwriter Mel Gibson invited Aborigines, descendants of proud Native American peoples, to participate (which certainly added a special atmosphere to the film).





For the ubiquitous Mel, it was crucial that they resembled the Aborigines 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 captured by assistant cameraman Steve Chester.



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.





Rudy Youngblood, the leading actor in the role of Jaguar Paw, hides from his vicious pursuers, looking into the distance to where enemies lurk at the summit. Cameraman 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.



The footage from the filming of this episode (where the native drowned before Jaguar Paw's beloved arrived) never made it into the main edit. The shoot itself wasn't easy (though that could be said of all the film's shoots). 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 who was most comfortable.



Mel Gibson explains to the elder how to behave and where to look in the next episode. The elder understands absolutely no English, but Mel is undaunted and uses universal sign language. This fascinating Gibsonian method proved quite successful and, most importantly, effective. An assistant stands next to the director, taking notes and wondering how he can possibly find a common language with them!



This photo was taken shortly before filming wrapped. Gibson had grown a nice beard and grown it out. He had no time to shave, he was all about work, all about righteous labor. Look at the aspiring actors, all inspired and smiling contentedly. Rudy Youngblood, barefaced, wearing a cap and T-shirt, flashes a toothy smile.



Makeup artists are working tirelessly, traversing the jungle with the film crew. In the frame is Raúl Trujillo, who plays the Empty Wolf. A few minor adjustments to the powerful Wolf's appearance, and 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 definitely on the cards.



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.



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.



The village set would soon be dismantled, and the new 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.



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.



At the film's premiere, Rudy Youngblood was 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.