The Monk (Dominik Moll, 2010): France

Reviewed by Matilda Frid. Viewed at Santa Barbara Film Festival.

“The Monk” is based on the gothic novel “Le Moine” that was written by Matthew Gregory Lewis in 1796. He wrote it before he turned 20 and in just 10 weeks. Dominik Moll directed the french film version that starred Déborah François, Joséphine Japy and Frédéric Noaille. The main character, Ambrosio, is played by Vincent Cassel who we have seen recently in “Black Swan”.

A baby is left outside of a monastery after almost being thrown into the river to face death in Madrid. He grows up to be a well-known and respected preacher who is very strict and has no understanding for those who give in to sins. People come from all over to hear him speak about God. One day, masked Valerio comes to join the monestary. He has to wear a mask efter an accident that destroyed his face. At first, the others are hesitant as to let him in or not, but Ambrosio is confident that it is the right choice. In the mean time, everyone and everything is in a mysterious way telling him that something evil is approaching. And as the story goes on, Ambrosio finds it harder and harder to resist the power of Satan.

In the very beginning, we get to see a man in a confessional. He is telling the man on the other side of the net all of the horrible things that he had done. The fact that we don’t know who it is and that he doesn’t tell us exactly what it is that he has done makes me want to know more. This scene sets the tone for the entire movie and I was immediately drawn in.

I can tell right away this movie is going to have a religious theme and it’s kind of thrilling. The suspensful music together with the frightening images of religious statues and gargoyles. I believe the religious theme is what makes this movie so frightful. Religion and religious symbols are very powerful and together with dark lighting and grand music it creates a good setting.

When masked Valiero wants to join the monestary the audience knows that something is about to happen and it keeps them watching. When we finally get to see Valiero’s face the story takes a new turn. It’s more about relationships, power and emotions. I had expected something slightly different, but I liked it anyway. Sin and evil are a thread throughout the entire movie until it culminates in the end, connecting to the beginning in a fantastic way.

I would highly recommend you seeing this movie. It is a great thriller that keeps you sitting on the edge the entire time. It’s full of mind-blowing twists and beautiful cinametography. The actors are great, especially Cassel as Ambrosio. He handles his characters transformation very well and was a great choice for the role of Ambrosio.

I have not read the novel it is based on so I can’t say if makes it justice. However, it seems as if the novel is very long and they had to leave out interesting parts and characters that I would have loved to know more about. But still, it is definately worth seeing and I’m really glad I got a chance to go see it.