when he read that script, he said he read it in one sitting, two hours. that's the way you can tell. he just felt the power of it. >> cross out again and come back in. >> it was such a wonderful script that it just haunted my mind and i began to do something with the script that i've never done before and that is the images began to play out almost shot for shot in my head. >> take our wives, but they'll never take our freedom! >> reporter: gibson produced, directed and starred in this sprawling historical epic. nominated for ten academy awards, the film won five. including best picture and best director. >> i feel like, you know -- that's my wildest expectations come true for this evening. >> reporter: offscreen, gibson's part boy images, a rowdy reputation, due in large part to