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Hail Mary (1985)
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Movie Review by Lona
February 10th, 2007
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Not so controversial
Banned in various places across Europe and the US, this film in the 1980's caused outrage amongst Christians before they had even seen the film. Even the Pope disregarded it. So for those of you who have heard about the film being controversial and shocking, note that the majority of things said about the film were said before the movie was even viewed.( This seems to be a recurring technique amongst the religious when it comes to movies questioning, portraying or satirising religion).
When hearing that the film is about Joseph and Mary portrayed as taxi drivers and gas station employees it leaves one to think that all kinds of whacky stuff goes on in the film. This film is tasteful, tactful and not at all scornful or degrading towards the sacred story of the Virgin Mary. So if you envisioned Joseph with a mullet and a beer in his hand, and Mary barefoot with a protruding belly and 13 kids behind her, then you have rented/purchased/come to the wrong movie.
Mary is a basketball playing teenage virgin. One who insists upon remaining a virgin. Joseph her boyfriend, struggles to refrain from touching her, and can only love her companionship and at most her presence from afar. A visit from Uncle Gabriel, results in Mary being told she is to bear the child of God whilst remaining a virgin. Joseph is incredulous and has a hard time dealing with it. Mary struggles with an array of emotions, emotions that due to the actress don't really translate well, whilst the dialogue is insightful or ostentatious whichever you see it as, the actress comes off icy, I certainly didn't connect or feel anything for her, I think this was a very important thing that was missed out on, to deal with a story that is known world wide, the emotions should have evoked something more, be it love, hate, pity, disgust. I felt this drained the film greatly.
It is of course filled with amazing visuals, thoughtful dialogue, and an uncanny use of music, which could possibly get on some peoples nerves, due to constant chopping of it. I felt it was a little too fast paced at the start and a little drawn out in some places towards the end. Overall it was a good movie, not an amazing movie which I have come to expect from every Godard movie. Out of all I have seen so far they have, exceeded my expectations. I can't even muster much passion for this review; I feel bad saying this because this is supposedly a movie held very highly amongst filmmakers and hardcore Godard fans. Considering myself to be adoring of Godard's work, I felt this film delivered in the usual ravishing dialogue and visuals but was not as fulfilling in regards to the acting.
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