Francesco (1991)

Simply A Masterpiece

Memorable, crazy movie

Just perfect...

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Of course it is not a good movie. For example, you have a lot of actors acting as they were in an "hippie" trip. They have long hair, trimmed beard, they have earrings.. it is unbelievable. The edition is confuse.... It is really awful. And Mickey Rourke have tattoos in his arms and shoulder ! Is it possible ? Saint Francesco with tattoos... If you compare this film with the fantastic "Brother sun, sister moon" from Zeffirelli, you'll see what a difference ! They are both about the same person, but completely different. That one is a musical, a little bit bored, but is fantastic, all the actors are perfect. The one that perform Saint Francesco IS really Saint Francesco reincorporated ! Don't waist your time with this film. Liliana Cavani was right in the "Il portiere di notte", but not now ! I was wondering why they don't sell this DVD anymore and now I found ! It is a lost of time.

This is the fourth film I have watched on the subject, following efforts by similarly renowned directors: Roberto Rossellini's THE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS (1950), Michael Curtiz' FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1961) and Franco Zeffirelli's BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON (1972); curiously enough, Cavani had already dealt with the titular saint's life in her acclaimed (if rarely-screened) 1966 debut feature with Lou Castel. This particular version, then, got some mileage out of the fact that the lead role would be essayed by Hollywood bad boy Mickey Rourke – other than that, there seemed to be little discernible point in making yet another trip to this particular well…unless Cavani, the controversial lady behind THE NIGHT PORTER (1974), relished the opportunity of 'realistic' wallowing in the squalor inherent in the medieval setting (even including some unwarranted gore and full-frontal nudity). Rourke seems more mystified than mystic, wrong-headedly approaching the role as if it were an "Angry Young Man" type!; in that respect, the spiritual calling experienced by the nobleman of Assisi is distinctly unconvincing here (while his acknowledged affection for animals is barely touched upon) – with the result that the entire film is seldom inspiring. Interestingly, events play out in flashback – with St. Francis' disciples gathered to reminisce subsequent to his death: prominence, and an atypical though much-needed female perspective, is given to his former love (forcefully played by Helena Bonham Carter). While his work usually proved an asset to any film, Vangelis's electronic score in this case is clearly out-of-place and hardly memorable. Finally, the print on the budget DVD I watched was quite horrendous: apart from being the choppy U.S. theatrical version (which was cut down by almost 40 minutes from the Italian original), it sported a hazy sub-VHS quality and, at one point, even duplicated a few seconds of film within the same scene!

This is an Italian release version about S. Francis(1182-1226)life by Liliana Cavani . Set in 13th century and depicting the existence of St Francis , son of a wealthy merchant. Story begins after his death when his friends and disciples remember his life. It starts with starvation, famine,war, pest, caused for confronting between Italian cities: Perugia, Assis and Venice. Francesco is taken prisoner, he's freed by his parents(Paolo Bonacelli, Andrea Ferreol) and he becomes into prodigal son. He's judged and condemned, then he's naked himself and begins a miserable life caring poor, hapless and lepers. After his religious awakening he founds the Franciscan order of monks, approved by Pope Innocence III(1210). He's followed by St Clare(Helena Bonham Carter)as devote disciple and fine support, founding the Clarisan order of nuns(1212). Francesco establishes a rigid rules of life and his thoughts were included into 'Flowers of St. Francis' and 'Singing to brother Sun or the creatures' where he praises the mirth, poverty,and love for nature. He receives blessing from cardinals(Mario Adorf) and later from Pope Innocencio III(Zinschler).Finally, he got the stigmata or wounds of Jesuschrist suffered in the holy cross.The motion picture is a good portrayal about known Saint played by Rourke in a definitive change of role. However the movie is slow-moving at times and some pedestrian, resulting to be a little boring and dull. The developing movie is made by means of several flashbacks creating confusion and tiring. Evocative and metaphysical musical score by always excellent Vangelis. Atmospheric though dark cinematography by the cameramen Ennio Guarneri and Giuseppe Lanci. The picture is professionally directed By Liliana Cavani who previously directed another one about this religious character played by Lou Castel.Furthermore, the Hollywood version titled Francis of Assisi(60) directed by Michael Curtiz with Stuart Withman and Dolores Hart. And Italian adaptations such as, 'Flowers of St. Francis(1950)'directed by Roberto Rosselini with Aldo Fabrizi and 'Brother sun, Brother moon(1973)'by Franco Zeffirelli with William Faulkner and Judi Bowker.

I'd seen the Zefirelli version of St. Francis, and in contrast, I have to say this presented a somewhat different perspective -more realistic if anything. Not knowing much about Mickey Rourke, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course he had a modern hair cut throughout, and his tatoos could be seen in some scenes. . . .but when put to the test he passed in my estimation. His training at the Strasberg School paid off. In the beginning he was a little stiff, but as the film developed, so did his character, and the emotional scenes were very believable. Condensing the life of St. Francis of Assisi into a 2 hr. film is a challenge, but I think the important events were covered including his early life as a man of the world, his life-altering crisis of finding God, the creation of the little band of followers and the conflicts, the stigmata, etc. And, OK, Mickey Rourke has gorgeous eyes!!!