Mel Gibson is to launch an effort to rehabilitate himself in the eyes of fans.

The actor - shamed by a drunk-driving charge and having apologised for an anti-Semitic tirade - has recorded an interview in a bid to revive his image.

The two-parter, with established US presenter Diane Sawyer, is to air in the country on Good Morning America later this week.

It will mark the beginning of his promotion efforts for upcoming release Apocalyptica - a Mayan-language epic about the downfall of the ancient civilization.

Walt Disney, which is releasing the movie, is facing an uphill struggle to attract audiences to it and will be hoping Gibson's charm efforts are as successful as possible.

Meanwhile, despite his protestations of sorrow, some elements of the Jewish community are still unhappy with the star.

"You would think that he would also find time to say that he wants to address his terrible statements," commented Rabbi Marvin Hier, from Los Angeles. "His remarks were so anti-Semitic and so hurtful to Jews."