What we know of the life of Caravaggio is unfortunately incredibly limited. The narrative of this film does not really reflect that limited knowledge. From the disjunctive remains of one of the most important figures of all western art A narrative has been formed. The merits of this narrative are debatable and ultimately unimportant. The overwhelming strength of this film lies in the superb cinematography and the incorporation of Caravaggio's artwork into the film. Light emanates from an off screen point, bathing the shot in chiaruscuro lighting that was so signature of his work. The color of the film could be taken from his palate directly. Best of all was when his paintings were played out by the actors. The result is no less than a visually stunning presentation.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Rites of Passage
(1999)
weak story, maudlin script, tawdry love (Spoilers)
5 November 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Watching this I often wondered if the author had either a family or an understanding oh conflicts resulting from homosexuality in the family. The dialogue was forced. It was the stuff of melodramatic hallmark cards. It was as if god descended down from on high with a mawkish script and gave it to five simple mortal men to read on a set that steels the show.
Cameron is a weak character. He has the emotions of an adolescent. Losing one love he searches for him for months only to become the unwitting pawn of a convict. He has been smitten because anyone who is willing to love him is absolved of all character flaws or even manslaughter. Huh? What? Cameron is unrealistic. Lose one love, naturally start written letters to a prison inmate (who has been in there for how long?) about the where abouts of your recently missing flame. No one who is "Smarter than you think" would fall for a plot hole that large.
The performances aren't bad for a low budget indi. Some family could have been explored in a way that would have been poignant for a 1999 film; however, the context is all wrong. One focuses more on the wicked homosexual Cameron than on the genuine issues the film tries to raise about acceptance, homosexuality, what it means to be a family, and love.
Cameron is a weak character. He has the emotions of an adolescent. Losing one love he searches for him for months only to become the unwitting pawn of a convict. He has been smitten because anyone who is willing to love him is absolved of all character flaws or even manslaughter. Huh? What? Cameron is unrealistic. Lose one love, naturally start written letters to a prison inmate (who has been in there for how long?) about the where abouts of your recently missing flame. No one who is "Smarter than you think" would fall for a plot hole that large.
The performances aren't bad for a low budget indi. Some family could have been explored in a way that would have been poignant for a 1999 film; however, the context is all wrong. One focuses more on the wicked homosexual Cameron than on the genuine issues the film tries to raise about acceptance, homosexuality, what it means to be a family, and love.
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