The Eternal City

The Eternal City profiles Christianity under the Caesars in ancient Rome and in Byzantium during the development of the Eastern rite churches, chronicles a schism which divided east and west and separated the Orthodox church from papal authority, and charts the rise of Rome during the Middle Ages as the center of Christendom to the establishment of the Vatican as a separate city state. Beautifully photographed, with glorious scenes of Italy and the Middle East that are worthy of a travelogue, there is also more to this film than meets the eye. Early on, a distinctly conservative "Catholic" point of view is established, but this is countered by superficial nods to ecumenical matters, such as an acknowledgment of Jewish persecution under Rome. About three quarters of the way through, however, the tone picks up force and gradually becomes inflammatory. Dissenting eastern clergy are characterized as proud patriarchs who have consigned their flocks to burial in a tomb of separation. Eastern orthodoxy is seen as separated from the fullness of truth--as branches waiting to be restored to the true vine. Voltaire is referred to as an antichrist, and Louis XVI and the nobility are presented as martyrs for tradition and Christian belief. The reforms of the second Vatican council are viewed as an excuse for "innovation and modernism," and Pope Paul VI is quoted as saying that the smoke of Satan has entered into the very heart of the church. This film strikes me as offensive to Eastern Christians and an affront to any discerning Roman Catholic. The credits reveal nothing about the credentials of the producers. In short, a skillfully rendered propaganda piece. Not recommended. (J. Reed)