Lourdes

Distributed by Film MovementProduced by Philippe Bober, Martin Gschlacht, and Susanne MarianDirected by Jessica Hausner2009, Streaming, 96 mins The feature-length drama Lourdes follows Christine, wheelchair-bound due to multiple sclerosis, and her fellow pilgrims and caregivers as they seek healing at the baths at Lourdes. Reserved and quiet, Christine is shrouded in mystery, seemingly devout and pious, yet we still can’t help but wonder if it is all just a calculated deception, up until, perhaps, the very final moment. Visually, it is a beautiful and thoughtful film, playing adeptly both with color and movement. It features actual footage from Lourdes, including prayer and adoration led at times by Catholic priests, which is sure to appeal to patrons seeking to visit the shrine. Without narration, the film leaves all interpretation to the viewer. In that sense, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, the overall message of the film can be what one makes of it. For the most part, the Catholic traditions and sites depicted in the film are treated respectfully and accurately, including the complicated reality that volunteers and pilgrims are imperfect and flawed humans, prone to jealousy, infighting, and doubt, sometimes doing the right thing for the wrong – or at least questionable – reasons. The film is not without its problems, however. Most notably, Lourdes depicts Catholics, French volunteers, and individuals experiencing various illnesses and disabilities by a director who stands outside these communities. What may have been very common when the film was released in 2009, hints at cultural voyeurism by today’s standards, especially if one consults some of the contemporary interviews of Hausner discussing miracles and her interpretations of spiritual texts (see, for example, “Jessica Hausner talks about Lourdes”). As such, it is recommended with reservations for French Studies, Film Studies, Disabilities Studies (from a representation perspective), Religious Studies, and public libraries with extensive filmic travel collections. Awards:Grand Prix, Warsaw International Film Festival; Various Awards, Venice Film Festival; Best Actress, European Film Awards