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The Diary of a Country Priest
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Synopsis
An austere look at the experiences of a young priest in a small French parish, Robert Bresson's masterly Le Journal d'un curé de campagne (Diary of a Country Priest) presents a powerful, complex exploration of faith underneath a deceptively simple exterior. Drawn from a novel by Georges Bernanos, the film centers on the priest of Ambricourt (Claude Laydu), a withdrawn, devout young man whose social awkwardness leaves him isolated from the community he is meant to serve. Further problems derive from the priest's ill health, which limits him to a diet of bread and wine and hinders his ability to perform his duties. Growing sicker and increasingly uncertain about his purpose in life, the priest undergoes a crisis of faith that threatens to drive him away from his village and from God. Bresson presents his spiritual tale in a minimalist, unadorned style, relying on a rigorous series of stripped-down shots and utilizing non-actors in many of the supporting roles. The approach may initially seem distancing or ponderous to a contemporary audience, but the cumulative impact of the brilliant visuals and Laydu's powerful, restrained performance is unquestionable. Almost universally acclaimed, this searching drama is generally considered one of Bresson's finest works and a crucial classic of world cinema. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Cast

André Guibert The Priest of Torcy
Nicole Ladmiral Chantal
Claude Laydu Priest of Ambricourt
Nicole Maurey Mlle. Louis
Jean Riveyre The Count
Serge Bento Mitonnet
Marie-Monique Arkell Countess

Production Crew

Pierre Charbonnier Art Director
Georges Bernanos Book Author
Léonce-Henri Burel Cinematographer
Jean-Jacques Grünenwald Composer (Music Score)
Robert Bresson Director
Paulette Robert Editor
Leon Carre Producer
Robert Sussfeld Producer
Robert Bresson Screenwriter
Year: 1950
Runtime: 120
Country: France
MPAA Rating:
Category: Feature

Genre
Drama

Produced by
AGDC
Union Generale Cinematographique

Awards
1950 - Prix Louis-Delluc - French Film Critics Circle
1950 - Prix Louis-Delluc - French Film Critics Circle
1954 - Best Foreign Film - National Board of Review
1954 - Best Foreign Film - National Board of Review
2004 - Film Presented - Toronto International Film Festival