Sunday Morning Movie: The Rite (1969) – 1h 12m + Bonuses!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Sunday Morning Movie! Today, we delve into one of Ingmar Bergman’s lesser-known works, The Rite:

https://youtu.be/E1q4lH_QaCE?si=KHYhVffLW9ZwgfGD

Next week, we’ll be watching Libera, Mio Amore:

Reviews of The Rite:

Letterboxd states:

This film is an intriguing exploration of vengeance, featuring a cast of characters who find themselves questioned by a judge regarding an “obscene” play. As the plot unfolds, we discover their complex, dark connections. The judge attempts to manipulate these dynamics, but the outcome is unexpected as they enact an eerie rite that gives the film its title.

The unsettling masks and minimalist, bondage-inspired costumes contribute to an atmosphere of dread, enhanced by a haunting score. It feels as though the events transpire in a hellish realm—interestingly, the judge’s actor’s last name is ‘Hell,’ which may not be mere coincidence. Though the narrative seems straightforward, by the end, I was left pondering many unresolved questions regarding its deeper meanings, if any exist.

Overall, this film offers a fascinating viewing experience. I would have appreciated a thorough analysis from a critic like Cowie to shed light on the nuances. The narrative feels simple, yet I ended up feeling as if I had overlooked significant elements.

Additionally, the film presents a captivating, haunting, and deeply thought-provoking examination of the tension between art and authority. While the narrative may have its flaws and could be regarded as somewhat messy compared to Bergman’s iconic works, it still sparks meaningful and honest dialogue.

My perspective:

This film packs a punch. Although psychological dramas aren’t my usual go-to, Bergman manages to captivate me throughout. The characters may lean toward exaggeration, which seems deliberately crafted. They represent psychological themes more than fully realized individuals. I found it worthwhile but would likely watch it only once: ⭐.

Director: Ingmar Bergman

Writer: Ingmar Bergman

Plot (Spoilers ahead!):

Three actors face the law after performing a pornographic act and must answer to a judge. Their interviews take a turn for the worse: one insults the judge, while another tries to bribe him.

The judge grows increasingly hostile, leading the actors to attempt to appease him by reenacting the act in private. Overwhelmed, the nervous judge suffers a fatal heart attack, granting the actors their freedom.

***

Extras:

A History of the Infinite

Professor Adrian Moore takes a journey through 2,500 years of philosophical inquiry into the concept of infinity, derived from a BBC radio series.

00:00 Horror of the Infinite
13:30 Aristotle’s Rapprochement
27:07 The Infinite & the Divine
40:35 The Infinite & Human Experience
53:57 The Mathematics of the Infinitely Small
1:07:28 The Mathematics of the Infinitely Big
1:20:13 Crisis & Uncertainty
1:33:39 The Cosmos
1:47:13 Death & Immortality
2:00:43 Where Does This Leave Us?

Frege, Russell, & Modern Logic – A. J. Ayer & Bryan Magee (1987)

A. J. Ayer discusses the contributions of Gottlob Frege and Bertrand Russell to modern logic in a 1987 series featuring Bryan Magee.

Rod Serling on the Topic of Race

The Art of Chris Moore (Slideshow)

Chris Moore, part of the duo known as the Two Chris’s alongside Chris Foss, made a significant impact in British book cover illustration, particularly in the sci-fi genre during the 70s and 80s. His creative output extended beyond book covers, showcasing a diverse range of art.