I rated this film an '8'. That is because the film touches upon a number of human behaviors and emotions. In that respect, "Saint Narcisse" is bold.
While Dominic struggles with his identity and his homosexuality, his twin Daniel is sequestered in a monastery. Daniel is the chosen lover of the priest/father who runs the monastery.
The homosexual love between the Father and Daniel is a bold representation of the Spirit vs. The flesh. As an ordained graduate Seminarian, I saw the conflict between dominant and submissive forces, with Daniel feeling that he has no option but to submit to the Holy Father, Andrew. Sadly, Andrew represents much of what takes place in monasteries and seminaries, even today. Sex is natural, no matter how unnatural they try to make it. The "forbidden fruit' becomes the fruit most sought after. Then, it becomes a power play.
The merging of the twins Dominic and Daniel, both played by Felix-Antoine Duval, is very well done. Duval has a splendid body, which fact is not lost upon the viewer.
The theme of male and female homosexuality is dealt with, with dignity and delicately. Today, society continues to wrestle with those sexualities, despite their being quite normal to those who are homosexual/ gay / lesbian/bisexual.
There is a clever play off the Cruxifixion of Christ, as well, with the bleeding of Dominic (who has taken Daniel's place). The film does become somewhat confusing at this point, trying to keep track of who is Daniel and who is Dominic.
I may give "Saint Narcisse" a second viewing. While there is a play on the name "Narcisse", I see the film as reaching beyond narcissism. I also enjoy looking at naked Dominic/Daniel!
While Dominic struggles with his identity and his homosexuality, his twin Daniel is sequestered in a monastery. Daniel is the chosen lover of the priest/father who runs the monastery.
The homosexual love between the Father and Daniel is a bold representation of the Spirit vs. The flesh. As an ordained graduate Seminarian, I saw the conflict between dominant and submissive forces, with Daniel feeling that he has no option but to submit to the Holy Father, Andrew. Sadly, Andrew represents much of what takes place in monasteries and seminaries, even today. Sex is natural, no matter how unnatural they try to make it. The "forbidden fruit' becomes the fruit most sought after. Then, it becomes a power play.
The merging of the twins Dominic and Daniel, both played by Felix-Antoine Duval, is very well done. Duval has a splendid body, which fact is not lost upon the viewer.
The theme of male and female homosexuality is dealt with, with dignity and delicately. Today, society continues to wrestle with those sexualities, despite their being quite normal to those who are homosexual/ gay / lesbian/bisexual.
There is a clever play off the Cruxifixion of Christ, as well, with the bleeding of Dominic (who has taken Daniel's place). The film does become somewhat confusing at this point, trying to keep track of who is Daniel and who is Dominic.
I may give "Saint Narcisse" a second viewing. While there is a play on the name "Narcisse", I see the film as reaching beyond narcissism. I also enjoy looking at naked Dominic/Daniel!