Friday September 16th: Diary of a Country Priest (1951) (dir. Robert Bresson)
‘A film that words fail’ – Los Angeles Times More information
Friday September 23rd: A Man Escaped (1956) (dir. Robert Bresson)
‘A heart-stopping, palm-sweating, emotional roller-coaster ride with an ending that makes your heart leap for joy’ Timeout More information
Friday September 30th: Pickpocket (1951) (dir. Robert Bresson)
An unmitigated masterpiece’ – Paul Schrader More information
Venue: Swedenborg Hall, 20-21 Bloomsbury Way, London, WC1A 2TH
Doors open at 6.30 pm for a 7pm start. Latecomers will not necessarily be permitted. Refreshments will also be served.
These three landmark films, Diary of a Country Priest (1951), A Man Escaped (1956) and Pickpocket(1959) explore themes which are arguably ‘Swedenborgian’: free will, divine providence, morality, love, faith, human purpose, transcendence and salvation are represented in the everyday experiences of a priest, a prisoner and a thief. These experiences are at once ordinary and extraordinary, material and transcendental.
Bresson declared in his Notes on a Cinematographer: ‘Don’t run after poetry: It penetrates unaided through the cracks’. Bresson’s revolutionary cinematic style, which rejects theatrical device, creates an intense and immersive experience for its audience. The camera only shows what is necessary; the characters only say what is needed; sound and image work in unison to represent a unique form of expression, engaging the viewer in a discursive relationship with the film. We highly recommend that you take this opportunity to witness these radical and fascinating works, in the unique atmosphere of Swedenborg Hall.
Admission to the film screenings is FREE but capacity is limited. Advance booking is highly recommended via nora@swedenborg.org.uk or (020) 7405 7986.
More info here
