Francesco (film)

Francesco is a 1989 docu-drama relating in flashback St. Francis of Assisi's evolution from rich man's son to religious humanitarian and finally to full-fledged saint. The film was based on Hermann Hesse's Francis of Assisi, which director Liliana Cavani had previously filmed in 1966. It was shot in the Italian region of Abruzzo and it stars Mickey Rourke and Helena Bonham Carter. Greek composer, Vangelis, provided the musical score.

Francesco
Theatrical release poster
Directed byLiliana Cavani
Produced byGiulio Scanni
Screenplay byLiliana Cavani
Roberta Mazoni
StarringMickey Rourke
Helena Bonham Carter
Music byVangelis
CinematographyRoger Deakins
Edited byGabriella Cristiani
Distributed byItal-Noleggio Cinematografico
Release date
April 22, 1989 (1989-04-22)
Running time
104 min (Germany)
150 min (Italy)
133 min (Argentina)
CountryItaly
West Germany
LanguageEnglish
Italian

Raised as the pampered son of a merchant, Francis goes off to war, only to return with a profound horror for the society which generated such suffering. In one scene, as an act of renunciation, he strips himself of his fine clothing in front of his father, and leaves the house naked and barefoot, joining the lepers and beggars in the poor section of town. A series of episodes from Francis' life follows, rather than a coherent narrative, until his final days when he receives the stigmata, the wounds Christ suffered at the crucifixion.

The film won three awards and was nominated for a fourth. Danilo Donati won the 1989 David di Donatello Award for Best Production Design, and the 1989 Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Silver Ribbon also for Best Production Design. Fabio Bussotti won the Syndicate's Best Supporting Actor Award. Director Liliana Cavani was nominated for the Golden Palm at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.[1]

Cast

Sound Track

The sound track of the film was composed by the Greek composer Vangelis. It was never officially issued, but released in a limited edition not licensed for public by Andromeda Music (AMO103) in 2002.

See also
  • List of historical drama films

References
  1. "Festival de Cannes: Francesco". festival-cannes.com. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
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