Search - The Confessor on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 8/31/2016...

I really enjoyed this movie and it wasn't as "churchy" as I thought it would be. Christian Slater killed this role.

Not bad.

Stefan Crane | CA USA | 03/26/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Christian Slater pulls off his character well. He doesn't push the "Jesus" envelope at all.
Stephen Rea - Gives a grand performance, just occult enough to cause an eyebrow raise.
Gordon Pinsent - Weak, but villainous enough to be entertaining.
Nancy Beatty - A great bitch! She's mean, but one can "feel" an underbelly of self cruelty as well.

The writing is intelligent and doesn't push the religious faction of the film at all. God and organized religion are subtexts to the main plot of the film. This type of film usually leaves the watcher with a feeling of being "Bible Thumped" for two hours. This film doesn't. It meanders through the reality of the church and it's true reality of humanism. The characters are well written and acted without the usual over dramatic scenes. This film is convoluted but it entertains. It's a drama yes, but more so an low paced action film within the genre of suspense. A great ending as well leaves you nicely entertained.

This film is entertaining. It's not overtly memorable, but it's fun and thought provoking. You'll enjoy it, once.
"

Mass Appeal?

Null Mann | Motown | 05/28/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Some films are like spaghetti with red sauce at your favorite joint. They don't pretend to be haute cuisine, but with any luck they're filling and don't repeat on you. The Confessor fills the bill. It's tightly written, well acted and shot with no waste or indulgence. Though this film's plot and themes are provocative, it handles them without sensation and exploitation. Instead, we're given quiet thoughtful scenes peopled with believable characters.

The Confessor is kept blissfully brief, permitting only the scenes necessary to illuminate Slater's character and the mystery that's forcing him to question his self concept. This film is as much a character study as a thriller and Slater is very credible as the cleric-capitalist "hero". Fleshing out the script's sparse strokes with admirable restraint, he manages to keep us positively interested in a character that we'd otherwise disdain or disengage from.

The direction and cinematography are competent but unembellished, offering only a few poetic / artistic shots. The two that spring to mind are: the wine pouring shot with Slater and Rea, and Slater's end of day offload of his personal items. (He places his Rolex watch and Day Planner next to his Bible on the lectern in his somewhat lavish domicile.)

Unlike many films of its genre, The Confessor offers neither writhing scenes of moral agony nor bombastic out-of-character heroics. Thematically, the film permits viewers to select the polemic in which they wish to engage: the role of the church in a secular world, the role of the cleric within the church, or simply, the inevitable waning of youthful passion and what to do about it. Still, some may find this film boring, so if you're scared off by the phrase character study, then stay away from this film.
"