The Advocate

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source: The Advocate

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The Hour of the Pig

For starters, the movie suffers the hidden quality of slowly becoming a Monty Python comedy. The opening shows a donkey getting let free from his charges of sexual conduct, while his human master dangles from his rope. The movie has its moments of comic relief, that helps the drama part of the movie lose its drama. To keep the audience interested in the trial and the dull lifestyle of France in this era, sex and nudity is thrown into the mix every so often. This is one of the movies strong points as the audience welcomes it with open arms. Although this brings more comedy into the drama, it works. Overall, the movie does not last that long, making the movie more watchable. If it was to drag on for another 30 minutes to an hour, the movie would lose its flavor and not be enjoyable. For what it is, it is a nice story with some wonderful moments.

This is known as "The Advocate" to most people outside England, where this film was made. It's no surprise the ultra-liberal BBC financially backed this film. Boy, it seems European filmmakers hate Catholics more than the North American ones, at least some of the European movies I've seen. This movie is a prime example of British garbage. Hollywood doesn't monopolize the market when it comes to sleaze, believe me. This story is the supposed expose of the Fifteenth Century Church where church officials are all not only corrupted but perverted. Nudity is no big deal in films, not since the '60s, but this film also gives us tales of men having sex with animals. This is sick stuff.

The quirkiness that another reviewer objects to is part of this movie's charm. The opening scene, a hanging, where one of the co-participants (a donkey) in an unnatural act is freed upon petition of the townspeople, is simply wonderful and sets the tone for what follows. Not pointed out by any reviewers yet is that the director seems to have reproduced scenes out of European paintings (Flemish, I believe) - the deer in the inn, the man from the inquisition seated in the tavern, the innkeeper's wife and staff gathered to meet the lawyer when he arrives at the in, and more. The lighting, colors, and scene arrangement are faithfully reproduced. This is just one example of the charms of this movie, which is virtually unknown to the public. And one of the most delicious parts is the witch's blessing. Whenever I lend or give away a copy of this, I pointedly give it with my own blessing.

In 15th century France animals were held as responsible for their actions as humans. All of the court cases in the film are based on actual court records including the opening scene. A man and a donkey are about to be hanged for having carnal knowledge of each other. A local parish took up a petition attesting to the good character of the donkey; saying it would never have willingly participated and so it was pardoned on the spot. This really happened according to an interview on the radio. The main case is a pig charged with murder makes it a different kind of film noir. The costumes, sets and actors are superb. Subtle humor is sprinkled throughout. This is one of those rare films that left me and friends completely satisfied as having watched it.

I caught this movie after reading an interview in the Washington Post with the writer/director---I *love* movies where the strangest parts are all actually true. I'm very surprised it's not more popular (though it's interesting the video box never even mentions that it's set in Medieval France!). A hidden gem.

This film deserves to be far better known. It's clever, fun, and a terrific balance of successful Hollywood pacing with non-traditional, non-Hollywood storytelling. Yes, it's a historical murder mystery. But it's a film about excess, as is the recent Marie Antoinette, but this one is darker and more substantive. The dialogue is sharp, often funny, and vaguely unsettling. Like all good films, several elements work together. The photography, the costuming, the soundtrack, and the characterization all underscore the script's emphasis on indulgence. It's really very well done.