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Holy Box Office! Thérèse, in the tradition of The Passion
National Review ^ | 4-14-2004 | Leonardo Defilippis

Posted on 04/15/2004 4:04:06 AM PDT by Notwithstanding

The phenomenal success of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ is opening doors for all kinds of religious projects. For me, personally, as the director of a feature film Thérèse, based on the life of the most popular saint of modern times, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, scheduled for release in October of this year, the timing couldn't be better. The blockbuster status of Gibson's film has jarred secular Hollywood into sitting up and taking notice of this little movie made by our independent production company, Luke Films.


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Holy Box Office!
Thérèse, in the tradition of The Passion.

By Leonardo Defilippis

The phenomenal success of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ is opening doors for all kinds of religious projects. For me, personally, as the director of a feature film Thérèse, based on the life of the most popular saint of modern times, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, scheduled for release in October of this year, the timing couldn't be better. The blockbuster status of Gibson's film has jarred secular Hollywood into sitting up and taking notice of this little movie made by our independent production company, Luke Films.

The making of the movie has a story behind it just as interesting as The Passion's. In the four years since we started production, we've raised a multimillion-dollar budget from the donations of individuals. From substantial grants to flower sales organized by school children, from one family's donation of $25,000 in retirement savings to a widow's gift of $10,000 from her late husband's estate, there are hundreds of stories of ordinary people sacrificing to see this story told. Pope John Paul II himself saw Thérèse last summer, and has given his blessing not just to the film, but also to all who view it. The popularity of the film's website, www.theresemovie.com reflects the huge anticipation by followers of the saint for the release of Thérèse.

Why is Thérèse so popular, and why the flood of support for a film on her life? Thérèse Martin's short life as a 19th-century French nun might have been buried in obscurity if she hadn't written down her story and her spiritual philosophy before her premature death from tuberculosis at age 24. Her sister, who was also the mother superior of the monastery, asked her to write down her childhood reminiscences, and out of obedience Therese complied. What followed was not just a charming story of her early life, but also a clear explanation of her "little way" to get to Heaven. This little book spread like wildfire throughout the world, because of the simple ideas that Saint Thérèse presented: how ordinary people can grow close to God through the day-to-day tasks in their lives. After her death in 1897, miracles attributed to the young nun's intercession began to be documented almost immediately, and the Carmelite nun was put on the fast track to sainthood and canonized in 1925.

This unassuming country girl, who entered the convent at the unheard-of young age of 15, has since been honored as a Doctor of the Catholic Church — one of only 33 people so recognized in history for their epochal contributions to the body of theological wisdom (heady acclaim from a church whose critics portray it as sexist).

Her popularity continues to this day, and everywhere I promote this film and ask people for help I hear remarkable stories of Saint Thérèse's continuing influence — and not just among Catholics. Her autobiography has been translated into 66 languages, and even some Muslims revere her as "Allah's little saint."

The Passion of the Christ is a profound epic that reflects on the deep sufferings of Jesus Christ. Yet it may be perceived as a violent film, and Mel Gibson himself has said that not everyone is able to handle it. The movie has also engendered controversy, arguably to its box-office benefit, a tempest unlikely to swirl around Thérèse.

Thérèse is a very gentle film, but it is also filled with dramatic passion for Christ. Set in the late 19th century, with a majestic score, this lavish period piece has the look of an Impressionist painting. The first half of the film chronicles Therese's life in her close-knit family, and the colors, sets, and costumes are rich and in keeping with the Victorian period, and with the insular world of a protected child. When she enters the monastery, although the world there is one of asceticism and simplicity, the colors lighten up, and reflect the joy that enters this young girl's life in a happy period. But then, as her death approaches, everything becomes dark. I am very pleased with the overall look of the film, because it reflects the depth and beauty of Thérèse herself.

The meteoric success of The Passion of the Christ is, by all accounts, based on its ecumenical appeal to evangelical Protestants as well as Catholics. Thérèse, though based on a "Catholic" story, has the same potential for broad audience appeal, even outside Christian circles: the engaging, touching human elements of her story don't depend on the viewer's faith. On one level, it's a tale of a fearful, neurotic girl dealing with the early death of her mother, the loss of an adoptive mother who is also her sister, her early entry into the convent, and a premature confrontation with her own death. Powerful soul-stirring ensues, and therein lies the second level of the film, an interior story of a young girl who lived her life in purity, with a vision of God's mercy, and unveiled a way to heaven that was "very short, very straight, and totally new."

That's her charm — and why so many people are drawn to her: Her story and her message are simple and accessible. That's what I believe audiences will come away with — an image of a God who is loving and merciful. Thérèse has already listed in the "Sneaks" feature of the Los Angeles Times, which records all the movies that are scheduled for theatrical release this year. We are gearing up for an independent release, similar to Mel Gibson's Passion, this October 2004. With the blessing and encouragement of a motivated grassroots movement, movie audiences will see something different in theaters this fall: Thérèse, the perfect response to The Passion of the Christ.

Leonardo Defilippis is the director of Luke Films, which is producing Thérèse.

 

     


 

 
http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/defilippis200404140906.asp
     


1 posted on 04/15/2004 4:04:07 AM PDT by Notwithstanding
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To: NYer
please ping
2 posted on 04/15/2004 4:04:36 AM PDT by Notwithstanding (Good parents don't let their kids attend public school or watch most TV)
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To: Notwithstanding
I first read about this film just a few months ago. St. Therese has always been my favorite saint. Her's is the first biography I ever read. I call her my weather saint. Whenever I've needed to have a beautiful day, I've asked the Little Flower to intercede for me, and she has.

I'm looking forward to this seeing this movie. Thanks for this post.

3 posted on 04/15/2004 4:12:59 AM PDT by MSSC6644
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To: Notwithstanding
I wonder how it will compare with the 1987 version.
4 posted on 04/15/2004 4:14:56 AM PDT by Rocko (GWB: "Release the pdb in pdf, asap and pdq; I'm tired of all this bs from the sobs @ the DNC.")
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To: Notwithstanding
...and unveiled a way to heaven that was "very short, very straight, and totally new."

Well, I admit that people can draw closer to God through the daily habits of their life, but the way to heaven is not through our daily habits....

5 posted on 04/15/2004 4:22:31 AM PDT by freebilly
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To: freebilly
Well, I admit that people can draw closer to God through the daily habits of their life, but the way to heaven is not through our daily habits....

If your daily habits don't include prayer and confession, you ain't getting to heaven buddy.

6 posted on 04/15/2004 5:06:22 AM PDT by Hermann the Cherusker
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To: Notwithstanding
Bump. I've read her book. She is adorable and her zeal for Jesus, inspiring.
7 posted on 04/15/2004 5:09:32 AM PDT by johnb838 ("I really don't care; they're all gonna die," Lance Cpl. Ryan Christensen)
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To: Hermann the Cherusker
Dude. What's that in your eye? Looks like a BEAM.
8 posted on 04/15/2004 5:10:51 AM PDT by johnb838 ("I really don't care; they're all gonna die," Lance Cpl. Ryan Christensen)
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To: Notwithstanding
Bible stories used to be standard fare from Hollywood, but, of course, the '60s taught us that going to the movies to see bare breasts made for better entertainment.
9 posted on 04/15/2004 5:49:57 AM PDT by aardvark1 (You can't have everything...where would you put it? --Steven Wright)
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To: Rocko
I have read that the 1987 version was done by an atheist whose interpretation of St. Therese's life was pointedly not Catholic.

As such, that 1987 movie focused on things that were not uplifting, such as the severity of convent life (as if life in general was not more severe at the time in history) and a lesbian nun who was in love with Therese.

How "shocking" that an atheist would not do Therese justice by his movie.

I will not invest any money or effort to see if that reviewer was right. I am sure I would have already read wonderful reviews about the 1987 movie (within Catholic internet circles) if it had been any good.

10 posted on 04/15/2004 6:01:53 AM PDT by Notwithstanding (Good parents don't let their kids attend public school or watch most TV)
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To: Hermann the Cherusker
If your daily habits don't include prayer and confession, you ain't getting to heaven buddy.

First, I forgot to pray last Tuesday. Guess I'm going to hell....

Second, I didn't confess any sins on Monday. Guess I'm going to hell....

Third, I'm not your buddy, buddy....

11 posted on 04/15/2004 6:09:28 AM PDT by freebilly
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To: johnb838
Dudette, better remove that telephone pole from your own eye and engage in reading Scripture, particularly James 2.

"Do you see that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?" James 2:24

12 posted on 04/15/2004 6:20:07 AM PDT by A.A. Cunningham
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To: Notwithstanding
I have been on the mailing list for this film for about 18 months. To be honest...it looks like it is filmed for a made for TV movie more than the big screen. Very low budget work here in comparison. This will bring out the die-hard Catholic's and a few stragglers but will not be a Passion Part 2 as far as ticket sales go.

With saying that..I am looking forward along with 4 others I know waiting to see it to putting down our 7.50 to see it.
13 posted on 04/15/2004 6:28:15 AM PDT by My Favorite Headache (Rush 30th Anniversary Tour Tickets On Sale Now!)
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To: Notwithstanding; american colleen; sinkspur; Lady In Blue; Salvation; Polycarp IV; narses; ...

Her mother died when she was four years old; her surrogate mother abandoned her a few years later, plunging Thérèse Martin (Lindsay Younce) into a mental collapse.

Then something miraculous happens.

At the age of 14 she undergoes a mysterious conversion and falls deeply in love with God. Then - not old enough for the convent -- she goes all the way to the Vatican, where she boldly steps forth at a papal audience to beg for permission to become a Carmelite nun.

In the monastery, Therese, a teenage girl, gains insights that breathe fresh air into the Catholic Church and transform the world. Challenged by the austere, cloistered life, this pampered child discovers a simple way of loving God.

In a lavish period production, comparable to Merchant Ivory's "A Room with a View," THERESE tells the true story of Thérèse of Lisieux, the most popular saint of modern times. It's a story of struggle and tragedy, and the greatest of all romances -The story of an ordinary girl with an extraordinary soul.

Directed by Leonardo Defilippis.

OFFICIAL SITE

Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list


14 posted on 04/15/2004 6:47:24 AM PDT by NYer (O Promise of God from age to age. O Flower of the Gospel!)
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To: Notwithstanding
THERESE is his film directing debut. "This film was the most challenging production of my career, and its exceptional cinematic quality is the result of many people's sacrificial contributions. My vision of a lush, period production with a profound emotional impact was beautifully translated to the screen by the talented members of our cast and crew, who gave this film their whole hearts."





Might be worth seeing.
15 posted on 04/15/2004 6:47:30 AM PDT by philetus (Keep doing what you always do and you'll keep getting what you always get)
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To: My Favorite Headache
It was a labor of love.

But Defilipis is a pro.

This may be low budget, but I believe the quality is much higher than what you think.

I know people who were volunteers on set decoration. Much of it was filmed in the Pacific Northwest, although some shots were on location in Europe.
16 posted on 04/15/2004 6:53:21 AM PDT by Notwithstanding (Good parents don't let their kids attend public school or watch most TV)
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To: My Favorite Headache
I saw a trailer 2 years ago in a a theatre after a performance of a one-woman play about Therese.

The cinematography seems lush and sets and costumes well-done.

I expect it will be well-recieved by critics for its art as well as the acting.
17 posted on 04/15/2004 6:56:36 AM PDT by Notwithstanding (Good parents don't let their kids attend public school or watch most TV)
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To: Notwithstanding
Will these movies become, as Orthodox icons, a way to bring illiterates to the Faith?
18 posted on 04/15/2004 6:58:00 AM PDT by steve8714
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To: steve8714
True religious art is a gift, given by God, to assist man in knowing more fully His truth.

When one is not literate, it seems apparent that such religious art would assist in understanding the Gospel.
19 posted on 04/15/2004 7:15:52 AM PDT by Notwithstanding (Good parents don't let their kids attend public school or watch most TV)
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To: aardvark1
This isn't a movie about the bible.
20 posted on 04/15/2004 7:20:59 AM PDT by GraniteStateConservative (...He had committed no crime against America so I did not bring him here...-- Worst.President.Ever.)
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