Review of Lourdes (2009) by Walter M — 23 Feb 2010
A wonderful and contemplative piece. Very slow paced, but it gives you time to consider the frustration, resentment and boredom that people with afflictions have to deal with. You also observe the volunteers that deal with them all day and how they have to sublimate their own needs and feelings for a little while.
Sylvie Testud give a remarkable preformance. For most of the film, she only uses her face to express herself, even though she can talk.
Next, of course, is faith. The main characters displays little of it, yet she is "rewarded" with a miracle. Some of the other pilgrims resent her for it, some stay bitter, others clutch at it and hope for something to rub off. I think the old woman (Ms. Carre?) was the only one to take seriously the priest's words about healing the soul first. Perhaps she, along with Christine, will re-direct her energy to something else more productive.
There are more somber tones evoked- like when the afflicted offer up their prayers. One guy's fiancee ran off, another is terribly lonely and angry... is this what you would do if crippled?
So what is faith, then? Is it believing that a miracle will happen and 'save' your life? Or is it having courage to do something about it?
This review of Lourdes (2009) was written by Walter M on 23 Feb 2010.
Lourdes has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
