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From: Iansito
Date: 11/6/99
Time: 2:47:40 PM
Remote Name: 12.78.97.158
NOR as a movie undoubtedly condenses not only the action in the book but many of the important issues raised in the novel as well. One in particular is the issue of poverty in the church and monastic orders and the social realm. The fraternal debate on poverty is relegated to a mere minute or so of dialogue on film. But this issue of poverty is visually heightened in the film, which is less so in the book. In the movie, the audience perceives the clear opposition between the church and the peasantry in the scene where the poor are scrounging for scraps of food. Also, the silent contestation of the peasants when Gui is ready to burn the girl. Again, although the theological debate is restricted, the visual impact of these images surely signify the same issues and perhaps to a greater extent. Unfortunately, the problematic nature of poverty and class is treated in a very simple manner in the movie- good guys vs. bad guys, basically. I wonder what this portrayal of poverty signifies in our culture? By the way, did anyone catch the reference to Umberto Eco? Listen to William when they first enter the labyrinth and are searching through some books. I believe he remarks on a manuscript by a certain "Umberto di' Bologna!"