On F List of Movie Reviews
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Francesco (1989)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
7/18
7/18:
Well, Mickey Rourke did it again: deliver a powerful performance during the 80's.
This time, it's for Francesco, a film in his oeuvre that I had completely overlooked.
Chariots of Fire's Vangelis
provides the musical score. It's an inspiring movie about Francis of Assissi, the patron saint of animals and the
environment. He founded a Christian religious order called Franciscan and was thereafter canonized as a saint for his devotion
to God by expressing love for all of God's creation, caring for the poor and sick including those with leprosy, and
preaching sermons to animals.
Modern hair and all, Mickey Rourke starts off as stiff and not looking naturally blended in with the environs, especially in
a foreign film. He slowly wins me over by getting into his character with frank realism. That's why when I think of top actors
of the 80's, Mickey Rourke immediately comes to my mind.
It's the narration by St. Francis' followers and the unconventional shoots that got my attention. While watching
it, I was thinking of how badly Derek Jarman bungled it for
Caravaggio while trying to tell the story of a tortured artist.
By the way, in 1995 to celebrate 100 years of cinema, the Vatican compiled a list of 45 great films which were divided into
three categories: religion, values, and art. Francesco was among those chosen for religion.
All in all, Francesco tells the story of St. Francis of Assissi's evolution from a rich merchant's son
to a full-fledged saint while showcasing some of the best acting by Mickey Rourke.