The Baby of Mâcon (1994)
Set halfway through the 17th century, a church play is performed for the benefit of the young aristocrat Cosimo. In the play, a grotesque old woman gives birth to a beautiful baby boy. The child's older sister is quick to exploit the situation, selling blessings from the baby, and even claiming she's the true mother by virgin birth. However, when she attempts to seduce the bishop's son, the Church exacts a terrible revenge.
Watch Trailer
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
As Good As It Gets
It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.
a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
If you could give a movie 10/10 for a single scene, this movie would qualify and it would be for the notorious rape scene. The movie is otherwise pretty dull and has delusions of grandeur-in other words, you could describe it as pretentious. It's been many years since I've seen this film, but I do remember coming into the cinema a pico-second after the movie started and feeling hopelessly lost with regard to what was happening in the movie...yes, it's that kind of film.But I do remember the rape scene. This scene is, I think, the greatest scene in all movie history. Now, you may be shocked by this scene, but I think if you can get past this reaction, you will have a feeling of "Enlightenment". I don't want to say too much on this scene, so as not to spoil it for you, but the 'right' way to view this scene, I think, is to imagine you are sitting behind yourself in the cinema watching you watching the movie.There is definitely a 'wrong' way to see this scene, I think. That was magnificently demonstrated when an SBS TV journalist, Helen Vatsikopolous (I think) interviewed the director, Peter Greenaway. Her question was so staggering in its naivete that Greenaway had to talk to her like Jesus to a child.Yes, the movie is disturbing and the rape scene is very confronting. But if you see it for what it REALLY is, it is very rewarding-this is Art at its best.This scene is right up there with other favourite scenes of mine in movies...including a scene in A Clockwork Orange, which I've just posted on today.Again, The Baby of Macon is a rather boring movie, with a 10 out of 10 scene. If the scene makes you angry, it's just a sign of how good its art is.
A great film, with the richness of texture we have come to expect from Greenaway, but in a context - the medieval church and court - which better suits this richness than some of his earlier offerings. Looking through the comments on this film, I am surprised that no-one has picked up on the pivotal nature of one specific scene in the film, that in which the girl tries to seduce the Bishop's son in the 'stable', against the wishes of the child. This scene to me is the heart of the tragedy which is the principal plot line of the film, and is excellently put together and acted. As such, it is far more important than the rape scene, which is merely an acting-out of the inevitable consequences of the split between the girl and the child, and is less significant than, for instance, the dismemberment of the child. I'd also just like to say how well the device of the separate voice for the child works for me.
Oh, the humanity! I have deep admiration for the man that is Greenaway. The Baby of Macon is a masterwork that is really above criticism. The imdb reviews are pretty much what I would expect from people who live by the credo "ignorance is bliss". They are shocked. They are apalled. They are horrified. How can this film be viewed as anything less than indulgent maniacal trash, they say.Well, of course, they must be correct. After all, with all the nudity and curt cursed characters who exist in a red world of servants and oblivious royalty embroiled in seemingly pointless situations.....Huh? To sum up, come to Greenaway when you're ready for him. He is so far ahead of modern cinema that he'll be dead 60 years before people start to call him the greatest filmmaker of all-time.And the nudity? All you "appalled" juveniles are just upset that it is unerotic. You sick perverts.
I saw this movie on late night television and that could explain my confusion but I do not believe that I could have understood this movie if the writer were sitting next to me explaining it as it went a long. I have no comprehension of the ending.