The Flowers of St. Francis ( Francesco, giullare di Dio ) ( Saint Francis, God's Jester )

The Flowers of St. Francis (DVD) (*)

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Original Title: Francesco, giullare di Dio
Alternate Title: Saint Francis, God's Jester
Language Selections:
English ( Subtitles )
Italian ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )

Product Origin/Format:
Australia ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
81 min + 60 min extras

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Documentary
Interactive Menu
Scene Access
Black & White

Movie filmed in 1950 and produced in:
Italy ( Italy, Greece )

Directed By:
Roberto Rossellini

Written By:
Federico Fellini
Antonio Lisandrini

Actors:
Aldo Fabrizi ..... Nicolaio, il tiranno di Viterbo
Gianfranco Bellini ..... Narrator
Peparuolo ..... Giovanni il Sempliciotto
Severino Pisacane ..... Fra' Ginapro
Roberto Sorrentino

Synopsis:

Flowers of St. Francis (Francesco, giullare di Dio) is an early example of the "commercial" side of Roberto Rossellini. The film traces the life of St. Francis, from his embracing of religion to his efforts to establish a harmonious middle ground between life and spirituality. Rosselini has given us a "chamber" film, deliberately avoiding the overblown vulgarity of Hollywood religious spectacles. The director's assistant and cowriter on this project was Federico Fellini. Unfortunately, Roberto Rossellini was under a cloud in the US thanks to L'affaire Bergman, so Flowers of St. Francis (made right after Stromboli) was not given an immediate American release in 1950. When it finally did get to our shores, at least two reels were cut; we recommend the somewhat more thorough British release version.

The film dramatizes about a dozen vignettes from the life of St. Francis and his early followers - starting with their return in the rain to Rivotorlo from Rome when the Pope blessed their Rule and ending with their dispersal to preach. The unconnected chapters are like parables, some with a moral. The slight and comic Ginepro returns naked to St. Mary's of the Angels, having given away his tunic, but not his ricotta. The aged Giovanni shouts and holds onto his cape; the beatific St. Clair pays a visit. Humble Francis doubts his leadership, hugs a leper, and sends his brothers spinning, dizzy, and smiling into the world. This brotherhood is infused with whimsy as well as belief.

A grand journey of hope and a timeless search for spiritual enlightenment Roberto Rossellini (War Trilogy)and co-writer Federico Fellini (La Dolce Vita) convey the monumental teachings of the people's Saint through a captivating series of personal vignett

This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 08 June, 2011.

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