Winner of the Best Film award at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, this controversial entry alternates between brilliance and absurdity in such an uneven fashion, that many viewers are likely to bail out early on. Set in the 1920s, the film stars French hunk Gerard Depardieu as Father Donissan, a stubborn Catholic parish priest who lives like a medieval monk--wearing a hair shirt, and flagellating himself with chains. On an errand one evening, he encounters Satan, who leaves him with a special power: he can see into the souls of others. Returning home, he meets Mouchette (Sandra Bonnaire), a 16-year-old who has just murdered her older lover. Confronted with her crime, Mouchette commits suicide--sending Donissan into a spin of metaphysical anguish. The portrayal of Satan as a lascivious homosexual who whispers theological nothings into Donissan's ear is an inspired stroke, as are the philosophical conversations between Donissan and his superior about religion. But the mad Mouchette (played by a much older actress) is difficult to swallow, as is the overall plot, which can't quite escape its fairly silly melodramatic underpinnings. Recommended, with the above reservations, for libraries with large foreign film collections. (R. Pitman) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—June 14, 2016—Cohen, 2 discs, 98 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $39.99, Blu-ray: $49.99—Making its domestic home video debut on DVD and Blu-ray, 1987's Under the Sun of Satan features a great transfer and a dual mono soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include deleted scenes (58 min.), interviews with star Gérard Depardieu (12 min.), production designer Katia Wyszkop (29 min.), and cinematographer Willy Kurant (17 min.), behind-the-scenes footage (15 min.), trailers, and a booklet. Bottom line: a fine high-def edition of a visually impressive film that will split viewers.]
Under the Sun of Satan
(1987) 98 min. In French with English subtitles. $79.95. Connoisseur Video. Library Journal
Under the Sun of Satan
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