The Genesis Children

This film is destined to be listed among those which have little meaning, but has all the force of a classic. The film follows the summer exploits of a group of European boys who are invited to a 'Play' near an Italian seaside. Once there, the play becomes a search for answers. Each boy begins a quest to learn what life means to himself. From the audience point of view, the scenic tour encompasses the sea, land and some of the most beautiful landscapes available in Italy. The haunting melody accompanies the children's quest and despite it's non-resolution, offers an artistic interpretation of what the director was creating. The actors are quite uninhibited with the abundance of nudity, but they carry the Avant Guard movie to it's abrupt end. All in all, a good film for those with an open mind. *****

This a kind of Roman beach holiday for boys, with philosophical overtones. In a kind of reality play acted without a script, a group of boys discover freedom on an Italian beach and analyse the conventions that they otherwise obey. Religion is ever present by a character who first advertises for actors in a play and then appears in many guises throughout the film. In their freedom the boys (early teens) frolic on the beach and carry out their 'roles' in a naturist fashion - i.e. without clothes. But the boys are relaxed with their nudity and not at all embarrassed. It is evident that these boys are not professional actors and this, combined the nudity should not be misread as gay movie. The countryside is beautiful and the beach cliffs, dramatic. It's an unusual film and the type that would be considered an art-house film. But if you end up confused and disgusted, then you're watching in the wrong way. This is a film that does have a message, but one that we frequently obscure.

`The Genesis Children' is a legendary film that I was lucky enough to have seen in it's initial (very brief) release in the early 70's. Quickly withdrawn because of hostile critical reaction, it was released on video several years ago after having been regarded as `missing' for decades. Despite a somewhat pretentious script that is nonlinear and difficult to follow on first viewing, it is a very earnest expression of naturist philosophy and is rather mystical in its approach.

The plot, such as it is, concerns eight American lads (ages about ten to sixteen) living in Rome, who are lured to a small Italian coastal town by a newspaper ad calling for boys `to act in a play.' Along the way, they encounter a man (played by Vincent Child) who appears to them in various guises: a priest; a teacher; a policeman; a politician. Directed by him to a secluded beach and finding themselves alone, they hang out for several days, swimming and sunbathing au natural. Indeed, this may be the ultimate skinnydipping movie. While there, they have some adventures. They explore a cave. They raise and repair a sunken rowboat, only to have it sink again. They attempt to steal food from a local farmer. They drive an abandoned van and end up wrecking it. Much of Genesis Children is Tom Sawyerish, but ends more like a milder `Lord of the Flies.'

On the surface, it's quite innocent except for an act of vandalism near the conclusion, which causes the boys to argue and breakup, some returning to civilisation and some choosing to stay. Also, there is a brief, ambiguous conversation between one of the younger kids and an older boy implying sexual activity.

On the downside, the production is rather amateurish and the acting a bit wooden. The cast is obviously made up of nonprofessionals.

On the upside, the color photography is outstanding with gorgeous shots of Rome and the Italian towns, countryside and coast. There is also a catchy musical score.

It must be said that Genesis Children is not intended for all audiences. Many would be offended by the extensive nudity parts of the film. I would think its appeal would mainly be for those interested in naturism and lovers of unconventional movie making.

Well this film was just strange. Boys around teens just running around naked and something about God and Christ. No it had no meaning, must have been made of some nutcase who enjoys looking at teenboys naked. It was purely stupid and meaningless.

Its theme remains obscure. The grow up, the naturism, the freedom, the lost or Paradise or the temptation and presence of authority. Its plot - just a convention. Clear - the influences. The lovelz scenes on the beach and in Rome. The boys . The eulogy to naturism. The desire to give a start point for reflection. A beautiful film. Maybe too naive or tool of too idealistic perspective about life. But usefull for the feeling behind it. And, maybe, is the most significant purpoise. Or only virtue.