Trend is so dated.
And I laugh...
A few nights ago I finally re-watched Brother Son, Sister Moon - and laughed out loud. It had been years since I watched the film - and so my memory of it was even more romanticized than the real thing. Shortly after the election of Pope Francis, I defended the film since several critics were making fun of Zeffirelli's interpretation of poverty and ecclesiastic corruption, extravagance and so on - insisting the depiction of the life of St. Francis was NOT AT ALL like Brother Son, Sister Moon. They were right - the film is very dated, very hippie, a little protestant - but many scenes, the costuming, the sets, landscapes - are all still captivating. One would have to be something of a scholar, or an attentive student on the life of St. Francis to catch a lot of the poetic interpretation of the saints life in the film - that is, if you can get by the anti-establishment messages.
Oh well. I still think Zeff is a maestro.
I also watched Angels and Demons again - Da Vinci Code is so much better, that is for sure. Again - sets and location shots are the best - in both films.
Next on my list is to go to the theater to see Blue Jasmine - I can't wait. The storyline reminds me of a well known blogger - we'll see if I'm right.
Oh look Poodle, I'm all Barb Nicolosi-Harrington today!
"Love her!"
I have never seen this particular film (for the very reasons that you mention). I just always assumed it was so dated though I really love Zeffirelli especially "Jesus of Nazareth". I watched part of the Paul VI movie on EWTN. It made me think of you since I know he is dear to you. I suppose he too (like all of us) couldn't help but be a product of his times. The lens through which he viewed the world seems to be what one would expect: an idealist moved and influenced by the philosophy of Maritain who having lived in war torn Europe wanted peace at all costs and who I believe truly worked for the good of souls. The scene where he wishes to auction off the tiara to divide the proceeds among the poor reminded me of a scene from Shoes of the fisherman (another VERY dated film).
ReplyDeleteIf I were Pope I would revive the triple tiara. I'd wear it for special audiences and loggia appearances. I'd revive the sedia chair too. No ostrich fans though. Too burlesque. I'd try to keep the riff raff out as well.
DeleteWell, you'd definately would have my vote of confidence.
DeleteI like Brother Sun Sister Moon despite its many flaws. It was one of the first movies I ever saw about a saint after I became Catholic. Even though it is silly, after you know the real story, I still think it captures a little bit of the spirit of St. Francis and I think it is a beautiful movie overall.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteThe best movie about St. Francis is the 1961 movie, "St. Francis of Assisi." Mother Delores Hart played St. Claire, which I thought was very appropriate. I've never been able to watch "Brother Son" all the way through. Just too maudlin for me. St. Francis is shown as much more masculine in the 1961 movie. I don't know how much "Brother Son" gets into the last part of St. Francis life when he developed the stigmata and suffered with his eyes, but the 1961 movie shows this very clearly.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it for years, but I think you are right - the film was accurate - and I loved Delores Hart.
DeleteI really like the movie about St Joseph Cupertino who was a franciscan 'The Reluctant Saint'. It isn't altogether accurate (it bugs me that they portray him as not wanting to enter the order but only doing so because his mom practically forced him) but other than it is really great, and free on youtube.
ReplyDelete