Diary of a Country Priest (1951)

The Worst Film Ever

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

A young priest (Claude Laydu) taking over the parish at Ambricourt tries to fulfill his duties even as he fights a mysterious stomach ailment.Two other French scriptwriters, Jean Aurenche and Pierre Bost, had wanted to make film adaptations of the novel. Bernanos rejected Aurenche's first draft. By the time Bresson worked on the screenplay, Bernanos had died. Bresson said he "would have taken more liberties," if Bernanos were still alive. An interesting comment, suggesting he was restrained only out of respect.This film marked a transition period for Bresson, as he began using non-professional actors (with the exception of the Countess). It was also the first film in which Bresson utilized a complex soundtrack and voice-over narration, stating that "an ice-cold commentary can warm, by contrast, tepid dialogues in a film. Phenomenon analogues to that of hot and cold in painting." American director Martin Scorsese said the film influenced his own "Taxi Driver". Scorsese is one of those directors who seem to absorb everything and know how to use it to their own advantage. It would certainly be interesting to watch this film and others that influenced "Taxi Driver" before sitting down to see that one... it could open up a whole new perspective.

I found this French film in the book of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, with it being rated five stars out of five by critics I was hoping I would agree with that recommendation as well, from director Robert Bresson (A Man Escaped, Pickpocket, Au Hasard Balthazar, L'Argent). Basically a young Priest (BAFTA nominated Claude Laydu) arrives at his new parish in Ambricourt, he is shunned and ridiculed by people in the village who do not accept his lifestyle and dietary choices (bread and wine). The older Priest of Torcy (Andre Guibert) talks to his younger colleague, his diet is becoming poor and he has a lack of prayer, this is because he is suffering serious stomach cancer, and the disease is causing his health to worsen. The young Priest is inexperienced and frail, but he wants to help dwellers, and he has got into a situation with a wealthy family of the recently deceased Countess (Marie- Monique Arkell), in the end of course the Priest dies from his cancer, but before dying he is absolved by a colleague. Also starring Nicole Ladmiral as Chantal, Nicole Maurey as Miss Louise, Jean Riveyre as Count, Jean Danet as Olivier, Antoine Balpêtré as Doctor Delbende, Martine Lemaire as Séraphita Dumontel, Gaston Séverin as Canon and Léon Arvel as Fabregars. To be honest, either I did not pay the fullest attention to film, or I just naturally did not find it as interesting as I hoped it would be, I certainly understood the basic parts of the story, and the leading actor was good, I'm not sure if I would watch it again to try and get it better, from what I did get out of it I found it an alright drama. Worth watching, in my opinion!

A great filmmaker, at the height of his art, working with very strong material. To distill Bernanos' great book down to so few essentials and still convey its full force took a great mind and a great spirit. bleakness has never been more uplifting.There is no need to be religious to partake by this masterpiece, it spirituality will move all equally. Be aware however of one thing: just as many films are not for children, some are not for all adults. Do not watch this (nor read the book) if you are not prepared to have your soul harrowed to its very bottom. you cannot and will not be the same person after watching it.

While the beauty and power of this film can appeal to viewers of any religion or denomination (or none), I especially recommend it for Catholics.The original novel by Georges Bernanos is a splendid and often-forgotten jewel of Catholic literature, and I feel that this film does an outstanding job of "distilling" the story, capturing the essentials of the characters, atmosphere, and themes.It is one of the most genuine and realistic stories of life as a Catholic I've encountered. It's the story of a man who carries a heavy cross, undergoes a personal Passion, and (unknowingly) becomes a saint in the process. It is a fascinating insight into a man's spiritual life--both unique and universal. Although the priest has his own particular struggles, he is also a Catholic "everyman." Watching this film, I feel that I enter into an intimate and privileged relationship with a friend, brother, and father.This story reminds us that being a Christian and achieving holiness is often a very difficult and very lonely journey. But far from finding it depressing, I find this film not only moving but also affirming, and ultimately very uplifting. It inspires us to regard life as precious, whether good things or bad things happen to us--"All is grace."