I am beginning to realize that film critics who told audiences what to watch & what to overlook had far too much power prior to the internet and the digital streaming age. In 1989 when "Francesco" was released in Italy, most Americans had never even heard of it and by this time, Hollywood had grown exasperated with Rourke for refusing to play by its rules- and for rejecting roles which would have likely cemented Rourke's star power at the time (Rain Man, Pulp Fiction come to mind). What is truly jarring is to watch Rourke's beautiful and moving portrayal of the man who became a Catholic saint (an artistic & purposeful film) & then to watch Rourke's affable, but frivolous, ride in "Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man" released the following year. Although Rourke's teaming with Don Johnson enjoys an enthusiastic cult following now, Rourke has publicly denounced "Harley" and admitted that he only accepted the part for the paycheck. Rourke has stated that doing that movie ("Harley") was the final straw in his self destruction and decision to return to boxing at the age of 39. One must only watch Rourke writhing -naked- in the snow because he has been "tempted" by desires of the flesh or gaze upon his look of ecstasy before dying, knowing that he is blessed because he bears the marks of the crucifixion, and the marks of Christ himself - to find context for the self-loathing for having "sold out" by lending his name & face to a production he did not respect (as "Harley Davidson").
Whether the choice to cast any American actor in the title role of this very European production was controversial or not at the time, I have no idea because I was not even aware the film existed until many years later when I became more interested in the career and life of Mickey Rourke. In order to understand Rourke's interest in and commitment to Francesco, it is important to note a few things. First of all, Rourke has never shied away from stating that he has always preferred other countries to his own and in fact, at least 2 of the movies Rourke is best known for - "Nine and 1/2 Weeks" & "Angel Heart," were seen as too intense/risqué by American censors. Both films were box office bombs in the U. S. but Nine and 1/2 Weeks was such a huge success in Europe that it apparently played in theaters for 2 years in France. Rourke became a bigger star in Europe than he was in his own country. Therefore, it makes sense that Rourke would have preferred working with an Italian production (rather than "Hollywood" which he had grown to loathe by this time) and it makes sense that an Italian production would seek to cast him. Secondly, Rourke was - and remains- a devout Catholic who has relied upon his Catholic faith and the support of his priest (now deceased) to get through a very dark period in his life. Finally, Rourke was & still is, a man who seeks meaning in life - and in death- and thus, his portrayal of a man who renounced his earthly possessions and wealth, to become a man of purpose, a man of God in beggar's clothes is quite compelling. Although the other actors - including a young Helena Bonham Carter- are mainly British or Italian, the dialogue is in English (not Italian) and Rourke often communicates emotion using only the expressions on his face. Young Rourke had a soft voice, appropriate for this role, and at almost every age, Rourke has been a presence on screen, often as a man of few words.
I will leave the plot summaries to the religious scholars because this is a historical drama which also received several awards. The film begins with Francisco's death. The story of his life is then told by his followers and friends through flashbacks & vinaigrettes. The real Francesco was born into wealth and has been described as an attractive man who enjoyed fine silks. Rourke credibly depicts Francesco as a man of privilege who renounced wealth & desires of the flesh to connect with God (the "father" who replaces his). Because Rourke himself comes from far more humble circumstances, he is equally convincing in his humility after he takes vows. Francisco's conscious choice to give up the privileges of wealth & physical beauty are made more compelling by the gorgeous & charismatic Rourke who credibly embodies the role of a lover who could have had any woman he desired and a man of status who could have continued to live comfortably (having remained his father's pride & joy until his father's death).
For anyone who is a Rourke fan, this movie illustrates his capacity for providing layers & depth. Although I am not Catholic, I was raised within a devoutly Christian family which often causes me to view "Christian" historical dramas with skepticism. I was genuinely moved by the sincerity of the portrait of a man who finds peace & a connection to God after witnessing the horrors of war & poverty and coming to understand that the things which had provided him with pleasure had also separated him from God and his higher purpose. There is also a wonderful scene involving a young lamb & group of hungry followers (hint: the lamb is not slaughtered).
For those who prefer the Mickey Rourke of "Get Carter" or "Double Team," this film may not be your cup of tea. There is incidental nudity. There are no graphic or simulated sex scenes but Rourke strips down a couple of times as do others for symbolic, spiritual purposes. There is also a view of the war dead & a mass grave. This is not an action thriller but the film's narrative is humbly & thoughtfully recited and its effect- uplifting. I had to watch the movie twice (within 2 days) to fully appreciate it.
Whether the choice to cast any American actor in the title role of this very European production was controversial or not at the time, I have no idea because I was not even aware the film existed until many years later when I became more interested in the career and life of Mickey Rourke. In order to understand Rourke's interest in and commitment to Francesco, it is important to note a few things. First of all, Rourke has never shied away from stating that he has always preferred other countries to his own and in fact, at least 2 of the movies Rourke is best known for - "Nine and 1/2 Weeks" & "Angel Heart," were seen as too intense/risqué by American censors. Both films were box office bombs in the U. S. but Nine and 1/2 Weeks was such a huge success in Europe that it apparently played in theaters for 2 years in France. Rourke became a bigger star in Europe than he was in his own country. Therefore, it makes sense that Rourke would have preferred working with an Italian production (rather than "Hollywood" which he had grown to loathe by this time) and it makes sense that an Italian production would seek to cast him. Secondly, Rourke was - and remains- a devout Catholic who has relied upon his Catholic faith and the support of his priest (now deceased) to get through a very dark period in his life. Finally, Rourke was & still is, a man who seeks meaning in life - and in death- and thus, his portrayal of a man who renounced his earthly possessions and wealth, to become a man of purpose, a man of God in beggar's clothes is quite compelling. Although the other actors - including a young Helena Bonham Carter- are mainly British or Italian, the dialogue is in English (not Italian) and Rourke often communicates emotion using only the expressions on his face. Young Rourke had a soft voice, appropriate for this role, and at almost every age, Rourke has been a presence on screen, often as a man of few words.
I will leave the plot summaries to the religious scholars because this is a historical drama which also received several awards. The film begins with Francisco's death. The story of his life is then told by his followers and friends through flashbacks & vinaigrettes. The real Francesco was born into wealth and has been described as an attractive man who enjoyed fine silks. Rourke credibly depicts Francesco as a man of privilege who renounced wealth & desires of the flesh to connect with God (the "father" who replaces his). Because Rourke himself comes from far more humble circumstances, he is equally convincing in his humility after he takes vows. Francisco's conscious choice to give up the privileges of wealth & physical beauty are made more compelling by the gorgeous & charismatic Rourke who credibly embodies the role of a lover who could have had any woman he desired and a man of status who could have continued to live comfortably (having remained his father's pride & joy until his father's death).
For anyone who is a Rourke fan, this movie illustrates his capacity for providing layers & depth. Although I am not Catholic, I was raised within a devoutly Christian family which often causes me to view "Christian" historical dramas with skepticism. I was genuinely moved by the sincerity of the portrait of a man who finds peace & a connection to God after witnessing the horrors of war & poverty and coming to understand that the things which had provided him with pleasure had also separated him from God and his higher purpose. There is also a wonderful scene involving a young lamb & group of hungry followers (hint: the lamb is not slaughtered).
For those who prefer the Mickey Rourke of "Get Carter" or "Double Team," this film may not be your cup of tea. There is incidental nudity. There are no graphic or simulated sex scenes but Rourke strips down a couple of times as do others for symbolic, spiritual purposes. There is also a view of the war dead & a mass grave. This is not an action thriller but the film's narrative is humbly & thoughtfully recited and its effect- uplifting. I had to watch the movie twice (within 2 days) to fully appreciate it.