The problem with STIGMATA can be summed up in the first five minutes of the movie where a group of priests stand over an open coffin . Subtitles appear as they talk in foreign tongues . The atmosphere is dark and solemn . Then for no real reason blood runs down the screen ala the James Bond opening sequence then we`re treated to a pop video courtesy of Chumbawamba . It`s not actually an official pop video as it`s the opening credit titles but that`s how it plays out as a young man and woman stagger up some stairs to a bedroom where prayers won`t be getting said ( Though no doubt the young woman will be on her knees ! ) so you`ve got two scenes that are at odds with one another and the feel of the movie continues along these lines . The scenes set in America are very MTV with some really silly close up shots while the scenes set in the Vatican are very darkly lit and moody . This is probably done by the director on purpose but this doesn`t mean the scenes are any the less jarring .
As for the story and screenplay itself I don`t think I`m all that qualified to criticise it in much detail . I didn`t like it much but I have never liked these " possesed by evil " type movies and I`m on record as having laughed all the way through THE EXORCIST which is what this movie resembled by the end . I will give the screenplay some credit by making the protagonist an atheist thereby saving us from heavy discussions on faith
Oh and I just looked up director Rupert Wainwright`s resume who started off by directing - Wait for it - pop videos . Goodness me there`s no way I would have believed that unless I`d seen it in black and white , and talking of black and white Wainwright has directed Michael Jackson videos ! I`m trying to think of a witty line to finish off this review but I don`t think I`ll bother
As for the story and screenplay itself I don`t think I`m all that qualified to criticise it in much detail . I didn`t like it much but I have never liked these " possesed by evil " type movies and I`m on record as having laughed all the way through THE EXORCIST which is what this movie resembled by the end . I will give the screenplay some credit by making the protagonist an atheist thereby saving us from heavy discussions on faith
Oh and I just looked up director Rupert Wainwright`s resume who started off by directing - Wait for it - pop videos . Goodness me there`s no way I would have believed that unless I`d seen it in black and white , and talking of black and white Wainwright has directed Michael Jackson videos ! I`m trying to think of a witty line to finish off this review but I don`t think I`ll bother