ANCHORESS

ANCHORESS (1993, Belgium/UK, Chris Newby, Judith Stanley-Smith / Christine Watkins screenplay)

Story of 14th century virgin who walls herself up in pursuit of sainthood starts well enough; gorgeous black and white cinematography, powerful sense of place and period, lots of capital "M" Mystery. Sadly, infuriatingly, the latter is completely subverted once the cliche plot takes over: Bad Guy Priest (aren't they all?) oppresses Good Earth-mother Type (aren't they all?) who's in touch with her sensuality (aren't they all?). Priest stirs up Ignorant Villagers against Earth-mother's mother (also Good), has mother killed as witch. Earth-mother type finds true vocation having sex on beach with Earthy Hunk. Banal.


Available at Videomatica