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Richmond Memorial Library movie reviews: 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey' (2004)
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From the Pulitzer-winning novel by Thornton Wilder comes writer-director Mary McGuckian’s adaptation of ‘The Bridge of San Luis Rey’ (BOSLR) a story of faith, doubt, struggle, tragedy, and love.
BOSLR is set in Lima, Peru, during the time of Spanish colonial rule. Told in retrospect by Brother Juniper (Gabriel Byrne), the film recounts the stories of five individuals who died during the tragic collapse of an old bridge spanning a chasm in the Andes Mountains.
Brother Juniper, who witnessed the aforementioned accident, sets out to look for meaning in this terrible event and, if possible, to find the provident hand of God in it. For this reason, he performs extensive research into these people's lives and compiles his findings in a book.
The stories of the ill-fated travelers are juxtaposed with the interrogation of Brother Juniper by the Archbishop of Peru (Robert De Niro), whose faith is tainted with the corruption of politics.
BOSLR features notable performances such as the following: F. Murray Abraham (see review of ‘Amadeus’) as the Viceroy of Peru, a man both spoiled by and bored with the privileges of aristocracy; Kathy Bates as the Marquesa Doña Maria de Montemayor, a woman who yearns for the affection of her estranged daughter (Émilie Duquenne); Pilar López de Ayala as ‘La Perichola,’ a talented, beautiful young actress who falls prey to the Viceroy’s lustful advances while failing to truly appreciate the parental love of Uncle Pio (Harvey Keitel); and finally, Mark Polish and Michael Polish as a pair of Peruvian Indian twins who communicate using a language of their own.
Other high points include the production design, the fluid camerawork, and the dialog—as may be expected from a film based on Wilder’s work (see article on the Batavia Player’s Thornton Wilder production). Finally, the overall theme(s) of the film will likely appeal to religious viewers who can appreciate a philosophical exploration of faith, fate, and love.
One of the film’s less favorable traits is, in some instances, the casting. Watching Keitel and De Niro attempt to accommodate their New-York-esque voices to the film’s elevated, theatrical dialog may not appeal to some viewers. Additionally, some may find the film a little difficult to follow at times. Overall, a worthwhile viewing experience--as long as the viewer does not expect to be 'blown away.'
BOSLR is available on DVD at the Richmond Memorial Library (catalog #: 1148 Drama)
