Under The Sun Of Satan

A few weeks ago I mentioned there have been a multitude of films about prostitutes. Perhaps the occupation in second place in term of film subjects is clergymen, for some of the same reasons--a kind of "how can they do that" attitude. Under The Sun Of Satan, which won the Palm D'Or in 1987, is a stark look at a priest who takes his job seriously, maybe too much so.

Gerard Depardieu plays a young priest who doesn't fit in well with a parish. He is given to wearing hair shirts and self-flagellation, much to the dismay of his superior (played by Maurice Pialat, who also directs). But Depardieu is beloved by the parishioners, because he may be capable of miracles.

The film is short and concise, with just a few scenes. One has Depardieu walking to the next town (he could take a train, but he loves to suffer). Along the way he meets a fellow traveler, and eventually he and we become aware that this man is none other than Satan, tempting Depardieu.

A parallel plot concerns a teenage girl (Sandrine Bonnaire) who kills one of her lovers. When she kills herself, Depardieu carries her body to the altar, hoping to resurrect her. Again, this horrifies Pialat, but the people of the town find him to be saintly. Later, he will successfully resurrect a young boy who has died of meningitis.

I think this film is less about Catholicism, miracles, and saints than it is about a person who doesn't subscribe to the norms of society and will only live his way. There is much dithering about where Depardieu should go--a Trappist monastery is suggested, but the bishop wants him sent to another parish (in light of recent events, this strikes a chord, given the numerous priests accused of sexual misdeeds simply being circulated to new parishes).

While Under The Son Of Satan doesn't have any easy answers, and is not particularly easy to watch, Depardieu's solemn performance makes it stick with me. I may not have liked it a lot, but I'll remember it.