Review of Léon Morin, Priest (1961) by Jacob G — 18 Sep 2011
Leon Morin, Priest feels more like a stage play than a film--almost all the action takes place in dialog, with only a few major sets. As such, to the modern viewer not used to such film-making will probably be bored to tears.
The other major thing the modern viewer might not be used to is the serious way Melville tackles Christianity. These days Christianity is usually used in films with a smirk and then proceeds to completely dismantle religion.
Emmanuelle Riva's character tries to be this modern voice toward the beginning of the film--she argues with Leon Morin (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo), a banter of the minds that both participants enjoy. However, where the modern film would probably have Morin losing his faith, no such thing takes place here.
Intertwined with the religion is the issue of love. Leon Morin, Priest is really more of a love story than a religious one. Which it does quite well--but I'll leave that a person to discover on their own.
This review of Léon Morin, Priest (1961) was written by Jacob G on 18 Sep 2011.
Léon Morin, Priest has generally received very positive reviews.
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