The Monk (2011 film)
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The Monk (Template:Lang-fr) is a 2011 French-Spanish thriller directed by Dominik Moll. It is an adaptation of Matthew Lewis' gothic novel of the same name. It chronicles the story of a Capucin Ambrosio (Vincent Cassel), a well-respected monk in Spain and his downfall. It was released in France on 13 July 2011.
Plot
A well respected monk, Capucino Ambrosio compromises himself with his carnal lust for a pupil, a woman disguised as a monk (Matilda), she tempts the monk to transgress and he is soon found desiring another, the innocent Antonia. Matilda uses magic spells to help the monk in his pursuit of Antonia, whose rape by him leads to her insanity. It later emerges that Matilda is an instrument of Satan in female form. The focus is also on Antonia's previous relationship with Lorenzo, whose sister is tortured by hypocritical nuns for her own relationship. Returning to Ambrosio, he is delivered to the Inquisition; escaping only by selling his soul to the devil. The devil prevents Ambrosio's final repentance, and informs Ambrosio that Antonia is the monk's sister.
Cast
- Vincent Cassel as Capucino Ambrosio
- Déborah François as Matilda
- Joséphine Japy as Antonia
- Catherine Mouchet as Elvire
- Geraldine Chaplin as l'abbesse
- Sergi López as Le débauché
- Jordi Dauder as Père Miguel
- Roxane Duran as Soeur Agnes
- Frédéric Noaille as Lorenzo
- Javivi as Frère Andrés
Reception
Screen Daily praised the leading man, "Cassel exudes otherworldly gravitas and his singular looks are perfect for the role." The review continued to note that "Moll uses quaint touches like iris in/iris out and, via painterly photography, makes the most of the contrast between the cool inner sanctum and the sun-baked landscape." Although the reviewer felt that "three quarters of the film are delectably creepy", the finale only "peters out".