The Monk (1972)

THE MONK is an Italian adaptation of the famous gothic horror novel by Matthew Lewis of the same title. It's a controversial book that's gone down in infamous history, but the resultant film is merely dark and dour and in no particular way shocking. The screenplay was by Luis Bunuel, who must have been having an off day, and the main actor is Franco Nero, giving one of his most subdued and least interesting performances. He plays the titular character who succumbs to temptation when visited by the devil in disguise, but this loose adaptation is dank and decrepit, dull and drawn-out. Nicol Williamson's larger than life cameo as a crazy aristocrat is the highlight here.

I finally got hold of a copy of this film after searching for it for ages! I have to say this film version is better than I expected. I was sometimes reminded of The Devils by Russell, although I consider that a superior film. The Monk is one of my favourite books, I love its lurid, intricate plot. Of course here not everything has been brought on the screen from the book, I guess a mini series could be better suited to do that. The omission of several characters with their secret connections suddenly coming to light, took away one of the features I enjoyed the most of the book, however I think Natalie Delon was perfectly suited to play Mathilda, she is exactly how I imagined her from the book. Antonia is also well portrayed. While I think physically Franco Nero suits the role of Ambrosio very well, I don' t know, I found his performance a bit uninspired in certain scenes. Maybe the character of such a weak, corrupted man, did not suit his acting abilities? I also found the final scene, when you see Ambrosio as pope in modern times, very random. I prefer the book' s final scene. Overall though I enjoyed the film and will probably watch it again in some time.

There is a fascinating movie waiting to be made from The Monk the classic 18th Century Gothic novel by Matthew Lewis,but neither this ,nor a subsequent remake starring Paul McCann is it.It tells of the downfall of the devout Ambrosio,who fulminates about sins of the flesh in hellfire and brimstone sermons only to be seduced by a sorceress masquerading as a monk From there its an out of control libido,leading to murder and fornication and the attentions of the Inquisition.Oh,and there is a cannibalistic nobleman played in archly camp style by Nicol Williamson,who appears to be subtly sending it all up It really is a dreadful mess and I can't help but feel it was edited down from a longer original because at times its incoherent Franco Nero is dull,and upon the inadequacies of the other cast members I will not dwell,since I am in charitable mood Its a powerful book and it cries out for some director to adapt it for the cinema with the respect it merits

This defies description. It is like Branded to Kill, in that it is so unlike anything else you have ever seen, it compels you just to watch it. Nicol Williamson gives a dazzling performance as a cannibalistic nobleman, the inquisition make a surprise appearance, sex and black magic how can it go wrong. It is hard to take this film seriously, ie when the monk makes a confession. What does it all mean, who know? It seems anti clerics, in that the clerics seem to be even more repugnant than the devil worshipping villains, who at least seem to be enjoying themselves. Watch and enjoy.