A man comes to Fr. Logan (Montgomery Clift) and confesses to a murder. When the police begin to investigate, Fr. Logan faithfully upholds the seal of the confessional and says nothing. But as circumstantial evidence begins to cast suspicion on Fr. Logan, the real killer becomes nervous. Will the priest take the fall to protect the murderer, or will Fr. Logan become frightened enough to confess what he heard?
They just don't make movies like this any more. Granted, it's a little over dramatic in parts - nearly all Alfred Hitchcock movies are. But the rest of the movie - and the rich Christian symbolism in particular - is well worth the one or two eye-rolling moments.
The passion and death of Jesus is a motif throughout I Confess. When he is accused of the murder, Fr. Logan must choose between clearing his name and obeying Jesus, who once said "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23b). As he is wrestling with what to do, he passes crucifixes and statues of Jesus on the road to Calvary. There is also a prominent crucifix in the court room. These images, often either prominent or even in the foreground of camera shots, compare Fr. Logan's suffering with that of Jesus, who also suffered for other people's sins.
Ultimately, my favorite thing about this movie is the portrayal of a strong Catholic priest. After the horrible scandal that has surfaced in the last few years, it's refreshing to watch a movie about a priest who actually tries to live up to his vocation - being a shepherd to God's people.
My Rating: T (thematic elements, some violence)
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments on this blog must be approved by me before they are published for general viewing. Please refrain from using foul language. You may disagree with me or another commenter, but overtly hostile posts will not be published. Thank you.