A reverend suffering from ailment (Diary of a Country Priest), begins conversing with a troubled man at the request of the troubled man's pregnant wife,
but the troubled man ultimately concludes with killing himself
(Winter Light). Schrader simply changed the man's fear from nuclear to climate change. The opening scene is likewise almost identical to the opening scene in Winter Light, and the scene
with the reverend expressing his disgust for the woman who loves him right to her face, is also taken from Bergman's film.
And this was nominated for an Academy Award for "best original screenplay". Blatant plagiarism is what it is.
Highly recommend this film, as well as checking out Schrader's comments about the film after. An amazing of exploration of the connection between spirituality and cinema.
I would argue that there isn’t a crisis of faith happening at all. More like a crisis of humanity. But the film fits squarely in that genre in tone and execution.
@EndsInThemselves
I also thought of "Take Shelter." It was an odd film and I didn't think it was that good when I saw it a few years ago. But, it's never left me and has grown on me. I guess the tone of "First Reformed" was a reminder (plus, both are about troubled men who obsess a bit).
"First Reformed" is also thought-provoking, but I thought it went off the rails from the
levitation scene
until the end. Still, an interesting film, with lots of meat to it. Perhaps it will also grow on me.
Someone has already mentioned that it's similar to Winter Light and I completely agree. In some scenes, it was quite obvious. However, it was shot incredibly well.
Add your comment
Comments 1 - 11 of 11
K.
A reverend suffering from ailment (Diary of a Country Priest), begins conversing with a troubled man at the request of the troubled man's pregnant wife,jhhayes
How in the world could the Academy overlook Ethan Hawke's revalatory performance in this outstanding film? Powerful stuff...beckenpower95
Highly recommend this film, as well as checking out Schrader's comments about the film after. An amazing of exploration of the connection between spirituality and cinema.Rohit
Speaking of films this reminded people of, how about Winter Light? See a strong similar theme.filmistruth
@jamesblakeewingI would argue that there isn’t a crisis of faith happening at all. More like a crisis of humanity. But the film fits squarely in that genre in tone and execution.
EndsInThemselves
Incredibly powerful.I thought a lot about one of my favorite films Take Shelter. It only relates obliquely.
Monochrome Man
@EndsInThemselvesI also thought of "Take Shelter." It was an odd film and I didn't think it was that good when I saw it a few years ago. But, it's never left me and has grown on me. I guess the tone of "First Reformed" was a reminder (plus, both are about troubled men who obsess a bit).
"First Reformed" is also thought-provoking, but I thought it went off the rails from the
Gilles Debil
@Rohit: Winter Light, Diary of a country priest and Ordet.bm97
Someone has already mentioned that it's similar to Winter Light and I completely agree. In some scenes, it was quite obvious. However, it was shot incredibly well.otoemec
A haunting rendition, or continuation, of Bresson’s Diary of a Country Priest.jamesblakeewing
Reminds me of about 5 other much better films about crises of faith.