Salomé

The drama of power, paternal, marital, prestigious. Herod is caught up in a network of relations and contradictions of their positions. not able to make decisions of the wishes of his daughter the princess Salome. however, even she, his apple, has not decision simple. the drama of three live charactersd courtiers. a riveting range of expressions of the soul of Salome and Herod. so powerful psychodrama is unique. thanks to mr AlPacino, ms. Chastaine

I could not believe that there was only one review of this great film. It was released on DVD together with the documentary 'Wilde Salomé'. A great double package explaining the background, the journey and the making of to good effect. I watched Wilde Salomé first, which I think helped before seeing the 'main course'.

The overall effect was deeply moving - covering the whole range of emotions. I can't say too much more without it being a spoiler.

Some will struggle with the theatrical presentation and modern clothes. However don't let that put you off as the acting and the message are top notch.

It still moves me months later - the sign of a good film.

Highly recommended - when you are in the mood.

"Salomé" is a one-act play written by Oscar Wilde in French. It's a rather obscure play, as it was legal to show it on stage in the UK until many years later. For more on that, read the Wikipedia article on the play.

This filmed version was directed by Al Pacino and I have no idea who it was made for, as it doesn't look like a movie but an avant-garde play put on video. It does not look anything like you'd think the play would look as the players are all wearing modern outfits...normal, everyday clothes at that.

The story is taken from the Gospels and Wilde created a story where the kinky step-daughter of Herod fell for John the Baptist but John rebuffed her advances. So, later, she dances a sexy dance and following this, Herod promised her anything...and things get really weird.

This was an unpleasant film. The language was stilted and old...which is odd with all the modern touches. But most of all, it's boring...boring, boring, boring. I really think the average person would be equally bored...though one of the reviewers found it all 'deeply moving'. I am glad they enjoyed it...I just think Mr. Or Miss Joe Average would NOT enjoy the taped play.

By the way, although this play is based on a Biblical reference, it is NOT a film most religious folks would enjoy due to the nudity in the program....just something to keep in mind.

I think this must be Pacino's worst performance. Fortunately, he has a body of work that supports some great performances and he is one of our great actors. Sadly, this is not one of them. On so many levels, a wide miss.

WOW!

I'm breathless after watching it... The play Wilde is of course a great material to work on... But it could suck in so many levels...

I have to say a loud and clear "F*CK OFF" to anyone who thinks that Al Pacino is over... He's a legend, both in screen and stage... As actor and director... And as Herod... Man, its only possible to think that Wilde only wrote the play to Al Pacino direct this version...

Some people complained about the clothing... Great actors were on stage, and they could be wearing black capes, futuristic clothes or even costumes of that time... I doubt that would be that different... Maybe with the proper costumes they wouldn't be that good... I mean, they would have the visual at their favor... Maybe they wouldn't put as much effort... OF COURSE THEY ARE GREAT PRO-ACTORS AND THEY WOULD BE GREAT EVEN IF THEY WERE NAKED!

For me, the movie have only one flaw... It was a little confusing at the beginning... Voices in off... Shots of stage and out-stage... BEFORE SALOMÉ ENTER IN SCENE I WAS KIND OF LOST... Unable to really get what was going on... I was distracted...

But Jessica entered... From that point to the very last scene, I couldn't blink... WOW!

Today, is pretty much obvious that she is one of the greatest actresses in activity... But the movie was rolled, I guess, between 2008 and 2010, before Jessica Chastain be THE Jessica Chastain. Al Pacino was the one who shown the world what a great artist she was.

I can only dream of watching it live... Its probably transcendental...

In resume: GREAT PLAY, great direction, Al Pacino was really good as Herod and the rest of the cast played their part very well either. BUT JESSICA CHASTAIN JUST BLEW MINDS WITH THAT PERFORMANCE...