Stigmata
A MGM release

review by Joe Mauceri

A Cinematic Event

Premise: Frankie Paige is a nonreligious grungy hairdresser who begins to exhibit stigmata and is tormented by demons. The investigation of her case leads Father Andrew Kiernan, a priest and scientist, into a mystery that causes him to question his faith. These miraculous and usually divine signs are killing Frankie. Kiernan uncovers the significance of her stigmata, and will be forced to choose between the truth and the Catholic Church.

Review: STIGMATA is a unique mix of stylized visuals, strong performances and sold narrative. Director Rupert Wainwright orchestrates all these components like a master conductor. His work with cinematographer Jeffrey L. Kimball is astonishing. They create two distinct looks for Frankie and Kiernan's worlds, and then blends them to achieve startling imagery. There are scenes clearly inspired by films like "The Exorcist" and "Rosemary' Baby," but these shots are breathtaking to behold.

Stigmata are the physical manifestation of the wounds suffered by Jesus. The filmmakers artistically and tastefully deal with the visuals. Wainwright allows them to be shocking, but not gory or gratuitous. As Frankie experiences the different wounds, Wainwright uses a visual dialogue to translate their intensity. It is not about the blood, but the significance of the wound. There's engrossing psychology to the construction of the sequences.

To this mix Wainwright brings a unique team of musicians to craft a score. The music composed by Elia Cmiral and Billy Corgan, of Smashing Pumpkins, is as eloquent and sophisticated as an opera. The visuals combine with music on the screen like a great wine and savory cheese exploding on the palate. These elements would be for nought if the story was not as strong.

Tom Lazarus's screenplay is a thought-provoking spiritual quest. He employees several classic themes, like the dark dealings of the Vatican. However, we haven't seen them exorcized in this manner for some time. He flavors the tale with police procedural and mystery elements. The characters are believable, and the director and cast deserve some of the credit. The filmmakers set up the perimeter around the central theme and slowly picks away to expose the mystery. The revelations are not expected, or based solely on physical evidence. The stigmata, a divine and mysterious sign, do suggest that, but they also threaten Frankie's life. Here is Kiernan, a priest who investigates miracles for the Vatican, confronted by this nonpracticing Catholic who is exhibiting these rare and holy signs. The power and force of the stigmata tears down Frankie's personal wall. Kiernan is drawn into a personal drama with Frankie when the innocent, vulnerable girl emerges. The filmmakers bring the audience to a place that causes us to question the nature of religious signs and organized religion.

STIGMATA is an extraordinary supernatural thriller. It is exceptional mix of cinematic elements guided by a rare vision. This is a cinematic event. We will talk about this film well into the next millennium..

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
http://www.mgm.com/stigmata

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