Abel Ferrara's Padre Pio Film Premieres at Venice 79
Abel Ferrara's film 'Padre Pio' premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, presenting a Pasolinian take on the saint's early ministry. The movie interweaves Padre Pio's spiritual struggles with the 1920 peasant uprisings in San Giovanni Rotondo, culminating in the massacre of October 14, 1920. Shia LaBeouf portrays Padre Pio, while Italian actors speak English with Italian accents, creating a surreal effect. Ferrara draws parallels between the saint's stigmata and the blood of slain protesters, suggesting suffering as a path to paradise. The film is not a conventional biopic but a symbolic exploration of sacral and historical violence.
Key facts
- Film 'Padre Pio' directed by Abel Ferrara premiered at Venice 79.
- Shia LaBeouf plays Padre Pio.
- The film covers Padre Pio's early ministry in San Giovanni Rotondo.
- It depicts the peasant revolts and the 1920 massacre of San Giovanni Rotondo.
- Italian actors speak English with Italian accents.
- Ferrara uses a Pasolinian approach, blending sacred and historical narratives.
- The film contrasts Padre Pio's stigmata with the blood of protesters.
- A blues soundtrack accompanies scenes of rural hardship.
Entities
Artists
- Abel Ferrara
- Shia LaBeouf
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Wim Wenders
Institutions
- Venice International Film Festival
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Apulia
- San Giovanni Rotondo
- Pietrelcina