April 26th Log

THE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS
1950, Roberto Rossellini, Italy
1st Viewing, DVD

One of the greatest aspects of The Flowers of St. Francis is the unforced rhythm, and pace at which it is made. The narrative is presented in vignettes with chapters of St Francis and his disciples in an search for inner peace. Shot almost completely outdoors the film moves with an effortless flow. The cast is entirely non-professional actors, in fact they are monks from the Nocere Inferiore monastery. The film is directed by Roberto Rossellini, who stands as one of the key innovators in the groundbreaking Italian neorealist era. Rossellini Developed the story and co-wrote the film with several collaborators including Federico Fellini, who also co-directed his debut feature film that same year (Variety Lights). Told with compassion and simplicity The Flowers of St. Francis emerges as a universal and timeless tribute of humanity, kindness, friendship and faith. With a graceful touch, the film observes the beauty of humanities connection with nature and with spirituality. By celebrating the joys and disappointments of life The Flowers of St. Francis is a masterpiece tribute of universal faith. It is an remarkable achievement of simplicity and perhaps Roberto Rossellini’s greatest film.