No. 21 (2022) BENEDETTA MARCH. 8th.

 

Film No. 21 (2022)  March 8th.  4.30 PM   Cinema 4.  LUNA,  Leederville. 

"We don't always understand the instruments God uses" (Soeur Felicita l'abbesse advises Benedetta  life as a nun in the convent ).

Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C Brown is a little known non-fiction book that details the life of sister Benedetta Carlini and the romantic affair she had with fellow nun Bartolomea in the 17th century. BENEDETTA is the film adapted for screen by Paul Verhoeven (TOTAL RECALL, ELLE) and David Birke (13 SINS) based on this J.C. Brown book. So what do I think?

For starters this film is arguably Verhoeven's most critically acclaimed film (Palme d'Or nominee). There is a lot to like about a film that tells the story of an iconic nun, devoted to Jesus, and feeling uninhibited by being a woman who leads a life dictated to her by the man (Jesus) himself. Legend has it Benedetta would have us believe he lived aspects to his life through her. The film takes us through this depiction including her blood being spilled.

Verhoeven has often been accused of using sex gratuitously  in his films. I have found his interpretations of sex on screen more akin to women having sex on their terms. Benedetta and her lover Bertolomea, based on Brown's research, pleased each other with an intimacy that enhanced the bond they had formed. The wooden aid carved from an effigy of Jesus has caused a stir, but it is a spice that colours the film as we would expect from an art (film).

Let's face it, the Judith C Brown book, painstakingly researched is crying out out to be re-interpreted on film. There have been many theories on the behaviour of Benedetta during her life as a nun. But Brown wanted to reveal the story of an ambitious young woman who was introduced to a lesbian relationship in a time and place in the 17th century. She had the strength of mind to enjoy her sexual awakening in the most unlikely place and time. She nearly paid the ultimate price because of it. 

BENEDETTA is a story of courage. A French production telling an Italian story. The performances are strong, as strong as the metre thick stone walls that formed the backdrop (Perugia, Umbria region, Italy) to most scenes. For me, yes, this is Verhoeven's best film. He has controlled this unique story from history with skill, at times with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek, as is his style. And after all BENEDETTA is all about entertainment. 10GUMS.