DVD Mini Review - Diary of a Country Priest
Robert Bresson's beautiful, haunting film Diary of a Country piece is a true classic.
It is also a very sad film.
A young priest (Claude Laydu) takes up a new position in a rural setting. From the beginning you can tell he will have trouble. He is inexperienced and not very good in social settings. Before long the townsfolk are against him. He has many confrontations including a duchess, her daughter and her governess. He confides in an older priest who is like a father figure to him. The young priest also is in ill health. He has a very odd diet - one that consists of bread that is dunked in wine.
Because of this some people think he is an alcoholic.
Most of the film conists of the priest writing in his diary as events unfold around him. To me the main theme of the film is how the priest goes back and forth regarding his faith. I felt that he did not always believe and had some conflicts.
The film is beautifully shot in black and white. Laydu is marvelous in the role (I read on imdb that he was born in 1927 and is still alive). Some on that board said that he reminded them of a young Johnny Cash and I can see the resemblance. Laydu's face shows all the agony - physically and spiritually - that is going on inside of him.
This is a wonderful film but it is not for everyone. Those of you who like a lot of action will not like it. The film takes its time telling the story. But for those of you who love contemplative narratives will find this a very worthwhile film indeed.
It is also a very sad film.
A young priest (Claude Laydu) takes up a new position in a rural setting. From the beginning you can tell he will have trouble. He is inexperienced and not very good in social settings. Before long the townsfolk are against him. He has many confrontations including a duchess, her daughter and her governess. He confides in an older priest who is like a father figure to him. The young priest also is in ill health. He has a very odd diet - one that consists of bread that is dunked in wine.
Because of this some people think he is an alcoholic.
Most of the film conists of the priest writing in his diary as events unfold around him. To me the main theme of the film is how the priest goes back and forth regarding his faith. I felt that he did not always believe and had some conflicts.
The film is beautifully shot in black and white. Laydu is marvelous in the role (I read on imdb that he was born in 1927 and is still alive). Some on that board said that he reminded them of a young Johnny Cash and I can see the resemblance. Laydu's face shows all the agony - physically and spiritually - that is going on inside of him.
This is a wonderful film but it is not for everyone. Those of you who like a lot of action will not like it. The film takes its time telling the story. But for those of you who love contemplative narratives will find this a very worthwhile film indeed.
posted by Film Fanatic | 3:53 PM
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