Blaise Pascal

Possibly the most beautiful of Rossellini's "history" films, now available on DVD, and most welcome. The subject matter might seem more likely for Bresson -- the religious and intellectual trials of a 17th century Jansenist -- and indeed this film feels quite Bressonian. With the enormous and unexpected success of "La prise de pouvoir par Louis XIV," Rossellini seems to have discovered a way to make historical films that are at once sober and informative yet at the same time intriguing as dramas of internal conflict and growth. "Blaise Pascal" is probably his most austere film (though visually sumptuous), its external conflict consisting of little more than the vain efforts of Pascal's family to keep him from overwork. And yet one becomes deeply involved in Pascal's conflicts. I saw this wonderful picture shortly after it came out (at the MOMA in New York) and it made a profound impression. I am happy to say that my evergreen memory was not in the least tarnished by a re-viewing.

Blaise Pascal struggles to understand the natural world around him, in addition to an inner quest for religious faith.

When you say "made for TV", that general gives the impression it will be of a lower quality. At least traditionally; today's television is on par with the cinema. Now, "Blaise Pascal" is different, because this is high-quality and directed by Roberto Rossellini. Wow.

Pascal is an interesting person to make a film about, because he was hugely influential in religion and science... but today seems more or less forgotten. He had a programming language named for him that no one uses anymore. And he is featured in philosophy classes for his "wager", though the logic behind it is flawed. Who today has read his "Pensees"?

I think I couldn't have understood this show (if I do understand it) if I had not read Neal Stephenson's The System of the World trilogy, in which he made clear to me that Isaac Newton's scientific investigations were essentially religious -- looking upon the world as a work of G*d, and seeking to understand Him through His works. In this movie, Pascal's life is shown as the conflict between reason and observation -- and the understanding that that the finite mind of man cannot grasp as infinite universe, let alone a vaster G*d that could create everything.

Dry and fascinating.

This film looks really good, if rather overstuffed with the supporting cast and multiple historical props. Think The Three Musketeers or The Flashing Blade. The film is also good at evoking the darker side of the period - superstition, illness and premature death. The familial issues aren't terribly gripping unless you are a real Pascal fan. Some illustrations of Pascal's scientific methods are of interest. Of perhaps less interest to most are the theological and philosophical expositions. In fact, it can be hard sustaining one's attention through the entire 2 and a 1/4 hours. General criticism is that the film lacks historical detail about the wider issues while failing to develop real drama about the personal story. I'd go along with this. Overall, looks good, even too good, but you might need to draw on your reserves to maintain concentration.

Like each biographic film by Roberto Rosselini, Blaise Pascal is a confession about his perspective about world and its meanings , more than portrait of the main leader.

Out of skills or high interest about aspects of Mathematics, I saw this image of Pascal, defined by religious believes and conflicts in Jansenist context as more than pleasant. The grace of image and the beautiful performances, the air of period and the reflection of life episodes are the basic virtues of this film reminding Cartesius at level of acting, colors and atmosphere.

So, pure Rosselini.