3 out of 5 stars
In our busy, fast-paced society there continues to be certain aspects that draw us back to our past. Even with an insatiable hunger for the newest trend or latest narrative, the original story of the Garden of Eden still permeates our lives. There continue to be illusions to the fruit, the couple, the serpent and God in marketing, books, television and films. This is one of the underpinning components that drives the latest film from Italian director Giuseppe Capotondi, The Burnt Orange Heresy. Proving once again that there is nothing like a classic tale that manages to represent the human condition.
James Figueras (Claes Bang) is an acclaimed art critic who gives seminars throughout Europe on many of the finest artists of the past. During one of his talks, Berenice Hollis (Elizabeth Debicki) slides into one of the seats to hear the compelling interchange with art and the history that is hidden behind the brush strokes. The two strangers quickly move toward a relationship that involves a romantic weekend getaway to a local art dealer’s estate. Joseph Cassidy (Mick Jagger) is a well-connected man of resources who has been studying James and his work. He welcomes the couple into his home and does not hesitate to get to the reason behind his invitation.
The suave and conniving business man makes short work of the art critic by proving how much he knows of the writer’s past. Information that helps him to manipulate James to assist with acquiring a painting from the elusive and eccentric Jerome Debney (Donald Sutherland). He is an artist with a legendary history and is currently living on Cassidy’s property. Even though no one has seen any works from the master painter in decades, the art dealer hopes that James can get close to Debney. A relationship that could lead to him acquiring a piece from him before he passes away. As the couple get to know the reclusive artist, things turn into a moral juxtaposition for the art critic and Bernice.
Through a crafty adaptation of Charles Willeford's book, this manages to be one of the best dramas to effectively overlay the narrative of the original sin onto the screenplay. The opening sequence does involve an explicit scene that will make this less accessible to those with sensitive dispositions. For all who can get past this element, they will be rewarded with an intriguing depiction of mankind's heart. Each player proves to be perfectly cast in their role as multi-layered and secretive characters that deliver a murky and engrossing mystery.
Debicki is ideal as the innocent, but flawed Berenice. With her statuesque elegance and quick delivery, she holds her own in this male-dominated cast. While Claes Bang embodies the person of the art world who relies on his debonair demeanour to hide his less than honourable past. Then to cast Jagger as the fiendishly smarmy businessman was perfect to be the reflection of the serpent in the garden. Leaving Donald Sutherland as the fruit to be picked and devoured, a cleaver spin that he seems to relish.
The Burnt Orange Heresy is one of those experiences that will leave you pondering humanity for days after you see it. A story that offers little hope or joy, but manages to portray a simple storyline that will keep you invested until the end.
Reel Dialogue: The original sin
In our modern context, many might believe that the Bible teaches that the original sin has do be sex. Yet, the physical relationship between a man and a woman was a gift from God. It was encouraged by the creator to be fruitful and multiply. So, what was the original sin? Well, it wasn’t merely the eating of a forbidden fruit or vegetarianism. The first transgression depicted in the Bible comes down to pride. The discussion starts with Adam and Eve's transgression in Eden, the sin of disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Original sin can be explained as “that sin and its guilt that we all possess in God’s eyes as a direct result of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden.”*
The story of the serpent, Eden and sin play a significant role in The Burnt Orange Heresy, but even more in the history of humanity. If you have never engaged with this tale from the fist book of the Bible, Genesis. Why not take a moment to read the text and study out the significance it has on our lives today.
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. -Psalm 51: 5
*desiringgod.org | What Is the Biblical Evidence for Original Sin?
