Hail Mary

Hail Mary, released in 1985, is a compelling movie by renowned Swiss-French director Jean-Luc Godard. This film stands out for its unique retelling of the Virgin Mary's story, a timeless biblical narrative presented in an entirely contemporary setting. Unfolding the consequences of the Annunciation in a modern era, it pushes generous amounts of existential philosophies and deep theological inquiries.

The film’s lead actress, Myriem Roussel, plays Marie, a modern-day Virgin Mary. She owns a petrol station and actively plays basketball. Roussel’s performance is notable for her ability to balance the spiritual weightiness of her role with the representational simplicity of a young girl living in today’s world, thereby filling the character with a profound sense of innocence and complexity.

Marie's lover and the film's second lead character, Joseph, is impressively portrayed by Thierry Rode. Rode brings to life an up-to-date replica of Saint Joseph, who is an amiable but confused taxi driver perplexed by Marie's sudden, mystifying pregnancy.

Furthermore, Philippe Lacoste embodies the divine messenger, Archangel Gabriel, whose responsibilities include announcing this surprise pregnancy. The film presents an interesting dynamic between these three lead characters, focusing primarily on their complex interactions more than chronicling the actual biblical events.

However, Hail Mary isn't only about rehashing an ancient story in a modern setting. Instead, the narrative demonstrates Godard's ability to interweave the mundane with the divine, along with thought-provoking dialogue, some infused with a philosophical twist. It is an exploration of faith, the human capacity to believe, and the enigmatic balance struck between modernity and ancient beliefs that society is often confronted with.

One of the unique aspects of Hail Mary is its unabashed and bold representation of nudity. The human body is fashioned as a site of divine work, a sacred vessel that binds the divine with the earthly. However, Godard refrains from sexualizing the nudity, instead using it as a tool to articulate divine power and the miracle of conception. The naked body, particularly Marie's, becomes a symbol of purity and holiness, echoing the biblical reverence of the Virgin Mary.

The film dips its toes into the philosophical sphere, espousing some complex questions about spirituality, religious dogmas, and the faith one puts into them. The characters often find themselves tangled in conversation about the nature and existence of God, evoking deeply embedded religious and philosophical dilemmas. The dialogues seem to have an inherent lyrical quality, flowing smoothly from one character to another, underpinning the film's contemplative pace.

Godard’s filmmaking style in Hail Mary is characteristic of his signature flair of blending cinematic art and intellectual prowess. The narrative structure that he uses is devoid of conventional linearity. Rather, he employs experimental techniques, like disjointed scenes, long contemplative takes, and spontaneous camera movements. Elements of everyday life are juxtaposed with discussions about faith and divinity. Styled with his famed film-essay approach, this film further sees the filmmaker delve into complex theological debates.

The film's soundtrack also plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the narrative. It primarily employs classical music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, adding a timeless layer to the underlying contemporary setting. Moreover, Godard uses sounds and silences articulately to furrow deeper into the narrative's existential axis.

Even though Hail Mary comes across as a religious film, it goes beyond just that by offering a critical perspective on religion, marked by palpable skepticism and existential dread. While it treads a path of religious philosophy, it doesn't fail to underline the pure human emotions of fear, confusion, and wonderment associated with unprecedented situations.

Despite its religious theme, Hail Mary triggered considerable controversy upon its release. The film’s provocative treatment of a major religious figure sparked severe backlash from religious groups. It was perceived as blasphemous and sacrilegious. Godard, however, repeatedly stated that his intent was not to cause offense but to explore matters of faith and belief through a different lens.

But no matter the controversy, there is no denying that Hail Mary was ground-breaking, in terms of its audacious subject matter, and its bold artistic representation of the divine and the mundane. It's a film that demands patience and openness from the viewer, asking them to journey along as it probes the deep waters of faith, belief, and human existence. Considering the vibrant catalog of Jean-Luc Godard, Hail Mary is one of his most experimental, thought-provoking films that stands as a testament to his boundary-pushing style and inventiveness.