The previews for Stigmata do a good job of advertising a horror movie, but I think people will be pleasantly surprised(as I was) by the depth the movie really possesses. Frankie Page, a hairsylist living in Pittsburgh, recieves a gift from her mother and subsequently begins recieving horrible supernatural attacks in the form of the stigmata. To investigate this phenomena, the Vatican sends one Andrew Kiernan(a Catholic priest\scientist). Father Kiernan at first thinks this to bea hoax, but after witnessing the Stigmata for himself, takes a very personal role in helping save Frankie. As the movie progresses, Frankie's situation proves to be more than meets the eye as the film takes a much more philosophical tone with the introduction of what is called (in the movie) "the Jesus Gospel" in which is this phrase: "And Jesus Said 'The Kingdom of God is within you and all around you, not in buildings of wood as stone. Split a piece of wood and I amthere; lift a stone and you will find Me.'" Not quite the message promoted by the church. Myself being a Christian-turned-agnostic, this movie made me question my beliefs and what I hold to be the truth. Nothing is as it seems, so never take anything at face value.
With incredible cinematography, an amazing score(courtesy of the Smashing Pumpkins own Billy Corgan) and a thought-provoking and moving message, this movie is well worth the five-dollar ticket ... and then some.
The acting in Stigmata is above and beyond, and some of the writing is very chilling. A couple of times I could barely breathe waiting for what would happen next. I have not stopped thinking about it since I left the theatre.
My one problem with the film is the technique that it was shot in. It had a very erratic, music video visual style to it that I found distracting. So, if you can stand quick cuts and lots of music (which is by Billy Corgan and excellent, btw!) and really want one last, good scare, I highly recommend seeing Stigmata. I plan on seeing it again this week when the theatre is less crowded.
--filmic99
Okay...I had to do a write up on one of the test screenings I went to for my film as lit. class, so if this review sounds a little fake, that explains it. But my feelings about the movie are all true:
“Stigmata” isn’t so much a horror film as much as it is a religious conspiratory one, with facets of thrill and horror. The beginning of the film starts off more traditionally as it shows a priest praying with his crucifix. Soon thereafter he dies, and a statue in his church begins to cry blood. Miracle-disprover, priest and organic chemist Andrew Kiernan (Gabriel Byrne) is sent to Bella Quito to investigate the phenomenon.
Flash forward to an MTV-charged time condensed day in the life of Frankie Paige (Patricia Arquette), who seems to be a high-profile hairdresser (her mom must be rich to afford the studio/loft Frankie lives in, because I doubt the hairdressing gig could cover it all) living in Pittsburgh. Frankie’s single, sexy and wild at heart. But strange events begin happening after the arrival of a gift from her mother. In other words, Frankie begins to receive the stigmata (five wounds received by only the most religious followers of God) –the only problem is, she’s a self-proclaimed atheist. So at first when Father Kiernan is sent to investigate her, her belief system clashes with the current occurrences, but when he witnesses it for himself, the father’s attitude changes for the better. And as they delve deeper into the mystery, the less interested and more agitated the Catholic Church becomes, as the answer promises to be detrimental to their way of life.
The film was highly stylized (“Run Lola Run” comes to mind) with fast cuts, montages, a sometimes awkward and innovative color scheme (called “skip bleaching”), and the aforementioned MTV-charged hyperkineticism. The contrast of colors could sometimes get annoying, looking like a cross between “Eyes Wide Shut” (good) and “Payback’s” (bad) cinematography. And again on the downside, some of the scenes were cut so quickly, if you blinked, you missed it.
But aside from that, “Stigmata” was an exhilarating adrenaline soaked thrill ride! The obvious film comparison for possession would be “The Exorcist,” and although “Stigmata’s” preview is one of the scariest ever (“How’s your faith nowadays father?!”), it’s a totally different kind of movie. Viewing the deterioration and the stigmatizing of Arquette are amazing and freaky to watch! The stigmatic action sequences were extremely physical (especially on Arquette) and demanding, but were shudder-laden, and put on layer atop layer of goosebumps. It became horrific as well as tense to watch. As always, Arquette gives all to the role, and more! She has become one of the best delivering actresses of the decade, and having her name on a project almost guarantees it to be exceptional. She does not disappoint here. Byrne is good as usual, if not unlike the usual characters he plays (standing on the sidelines, hands in pockets, observing). There’s also a nice sized role for Nia Long, who doesn’t have the typical ten-minute part of an African-American before she’s slashed up, killed, etc. Director Rupert Wainwright says, “It was our goal to present this story as an unbelievable, yet wholly possible phenomenon,” and that’s exactly what the film achieves! It allows you to overlook some of the small plot holes and gaps without tainting the object of the film. “Stigmata” is chilling, suspenseful, and sure to have you gabbing relentlessly about it on your way home!
It is, however, very chilling and disturbing. One hour after screening the film I was still shaking. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not (remember its only a movie) this film will send chills down your spine. The direction, cinematography and music are wonderful. It is shot in a grainy, dark style that adds to the overall atmosphere of the film. The perfomances are very good and believable. I hope those of you who are not willing to see this film due to your beliefs will put them aside for 2 hours. This poetic (almost) masterpiece should not be missed.