The Bridge of San Luis Rey

The stellar ensemble cast members have nothing to do for two hours, meaning that they look as tormented as the audience, who find watching (arguably) the most talked-about historical film as enjoyable as sitting in front of a church tribunal performed by Gabriel Byrne's Monk Juniper, whose role consists of sitting and silently observing the archbishop. Meanwhile, the archbishop, played by Robert De Niro, comes across as nothing more than a standard 18th-century church boogeyman. Only Harvey Keitel makes an effort, and perhaps it is thanks to him that the last half hour brings in the real emotion that was so lacking before, which is due to the fact that the convoluted (maybe not even that in and of itself, but the director tries to sophisticatedly weave in the impossible) story revolves entirely around unfulfilled love, both physical and spiritual. There is in fact no controversy, so in the end it’s a waste of time. (20.06.2006)

For Czechs, the somewhat less understandable transcription of the novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927), which won a Pulitzer, is popular abroad. The first film adaptation was made as early as 1929, with another following in 1944. After the war, a television production was also filmed, a theater play premiered, and even an opera. In terms of actors, McGuckian's version is quite generous, with big names appearing in every scene (Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Kathy Bates, Gabriel Byrne, Geraldine Chaplin, F. Murray Abraham). Among the many individual stories, the fate of the actress La Perichole (played by Lili Damita in the silent film) is by far the most interesting. The cultural environment of 18th century Lima is attractive in itself, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. (16.11.2022)