In Robert Bresson's adaptation of Georges Bernanos' 1936 novel, Journal d'un curé de campagne / Diary of a Country Priest (1951), we are dealt a deep, heavy and slow-paced tale suffused with Catholic faith. That is, it's not for everyone, but I usually enjoy stories about the complexities of being a priest or nun or ordinary Catholic, and Diary of a Country Priest is no exception.
This is a beautifully shot film, with a lead (Claude Laydu) who looks and seems right out of the Silent Era, or from an early sound epic like Lewis Milestone's All Quiet on the Western Front. Thematically, Diary of a Country Priest reminds me of a Flannery O'Connor work, so it's no surprise to remember that her novel Wise Blood came out in 1952.
My heart goes out to all those people whose lives have been shattered by today's horrible massacre in Newtown, Connecticut.
Today's Rune: Signals.
2 comments:
Erik, Sandy Hook is another sad commentary on the health of our country.
That priest does nothing to stem the 'thing' I have for members of the clergy. I have no clue what's wrong with me, and now I must see this movie. :p
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