| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | RELUCTANT SAINT: FRANCIS OF ASSISI (2003) |
| Director | Pamela Mason Wagner |
| Writer | Pamela Mason Wagner |
| Lead Actor | Liev Schreiber (Narrator) |
| Cast | Robert Sean Leonard (as St. Francis of Assisi), Liev Schreiber (Narrator), and historical experts from PBS’ American Experience |
| Genre | Documentary, Biography, History |
| Release Date | November 25, 2003 (United States, PBS) |
| Duration | 1h (Approx. 60 min) |
| Budget | Not publicly disclosed (PBS production) |
| Language | English |
| IMDb Rating | 7.7/10 |
RELUCTANT SAINT: FRANCIS OF ASSISI describes the life and heritage of St. Francis for modern Americans. This documentary produced by Pamela Mason Wagner ably combines journalism and art to cover the great saint’s complex career.
Some techniques are familiar: the use of classical paintings, on and off-camera commentary by experts (chiefly Donald Spoto, whose 2002 book provides the basis for the film), and tracking costumed actors through the Umbrian villages and countryside where Francis moved and lived. A new twist in actor-proofing: There is no dialogue, but the content and meaning of the visuals are enhanced by the voiceovers of the commentators.
It all works rather seamlessly, thanks to the heightened power of the material untainted by translations. (The solid chief narrator is Liev Schreiber, and the words of Francis himself are spoken with effect by Robert Sean Leonard.)
But because so much is covered, the unique moments pass without much time to savor them, especially Francis’ dramatic rejection of his father and his historic encounters with St. Clare, Pope Innocent III and the Islamic sultan in Egypt during the Fifth Crusade. The film is at its best as a comprehensive overview, emphasizing Francis’ role as a peacemaker, friend of the poor and abandoned, and ultimately, mystic.
Producer Wagner also finds a climactic setting for the always moving Canticle of the Sun, with its poignant references to Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Fire and Sister Death, and the well-loved prayer that Francis did not write (as the film tells us) but that in the 20th century was linked to St. Francis, beginning, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace” This St. Francis tribute is a Palm Sunday treat.
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