Brother Sun, Sister Moon
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| Brother Sun, Sister Moon | |
|---|---|
 Graham Faulkner as Francesco, or Francis |
|
| Directed by | Franco Zeffirelli |
| Written by | Suso Cecchi d'Amico Kenneth Ross |
| Starring | Graham Faulkner Judi Bowker |
| Music by | Donovan |
| Release date(s) | 1972 |
| Running time | 135 /122 min. |
| Country | Italy / U.K. |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
Franco Zeffirelli's Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972), conceived and executed in much the same visual manner as his Oscar winning Romeo and Juliet (1968), attempts to draw parallels between the work and philosophy of Francis of Assisi and the ideology that underpinned the worldwide hippie movement throughout the 1960s and early '70s.
Zeffirelli's signature lush photography, and use of real architecture and settings enhances the story of this great historical figure, played by young British newcomer Graham Faulkner. Francesco, the spoiled son of a wealthy merchant, following his return from war renounces all his worldly possessions to live an ascetic and simple life as a man of God and nature. Much to the dismay of his family, friends and the local bishop, he gradually gains a large following amongst the poor and the suffering.
The cinematography, editing, and a romantic soundtrack by the Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan, who fully embraced the wide-eyed optimism of the flower-power movement with his ornate songs that radiate a mystical beauty and childlike wonder, full of peace, love and idealism, reinforce the healing and influential effect St. Francis had on his followers.
The script contrasts Francis's innocence, piety and virtue with the bloated pomp of official Church doctrine, which is seen as being weighed down by internal politics, corruption and hypocrisy.
The film derives much of its strength from Faulkner as the young, battle-scarred nobleman laid low by his wartime experiences, who emerges from the horrors of conflict with a completely new and spiritual outlook on life. Emotions are released into a climax of peace, love and understanding. It is possible to draw parallels between this film and Vietnam war veterans, who in struggling for identity, truth and meaning on returning from conflict in the 60's and early 70's found God at their lowest point in life.
The film features a cast of gifted newcomers and screen veterans, including Judi Bowker, Leigh Lawson, Kenneth Cranham, Valentina Cortese, and Alec Guinness.
[edit] See also
- Jesus of Nazareth (1977) by Franco Zeffirelli
