My Mother's Smile 2005
Directed by
Marco Bellocchio
Made by
New Yorker Films
Plot Summary
Ernesto Picciafuoco, a devoted painter and illustrator of children’s tales, finds himself part of a significant yet financially struggling family that is eager to restore its former glory through the canonization of a family member. In this chaotic mix, the late mother of Ernesto stands out as the sole genuine practitioner of faith within a family otherwise marked by hypocrisy and ignorance. As the two rebellious relatives, now navigating their 40s, have distanced themselves from the veneer of organized religion—one masquerading as devout to reclaim a lost job, while Ernesto grapples with existential hesitations instigated by his young son, who might inherit this family’s ingrained deceit.
The film unfolds as an absurd and surreal journey. Ernesto is approached by a mysterious cardinal who seeks to interrogate him regarding the canonization process of his mother, leaving him taken aback as he had been previously unaware of the proceedings. In school, Ernesto’s son encounters a charming “religious teacher,” igniting a fleeting attraction that proves unattainable, further complicating the duo’s everyday experiences. Adding to the tension, Ernesto finds himself in a dispute with a religious authority tasked with probing the “martyrdom” of his mother, who challenges him about his son’s lack of baptism, revealing an unsettling familiarity with Ernesto’s life and prompting him to reflect on his loss of faith.
In an unexpected twist of fate, Ernesto is pressured into a duel motivated by a fanciful desire to revive a monarchy, only for the challenge to be thwarted moments after its initiation. Conversations with his aunt, who has never exhibited much devotion but is now driven by the prospect of financial gain and the allure of family prestige from potential sanctification, muddle Ernesto’s journey. Despite her opportunistic motivations to steer him towards piety, Ernesto remains rooted in his principles. Meanwhile, Ernesto’s wife undertakes an improvised baptism of their sleeping child, anxious to remedy the previous lack of religious initiation. Ernesto’s aunt waits in eager anticipation for an audience with His Holiness alongside other family members, while he chooses instead to accompany his son on a simple walk to school, symbolizing his commitment to honesty amidst the chaos surrounding him.
Timeline
Ernesto's Family Struggles
Ernesto Picciafuoco, a painter and illustrator, finds himself ensnared in the financial troubles of his family. They are desperately trying to restore their former glory through the canonization of a family member, which adds an absurd layer to Ernesto's everyday life.
Introduction of the Mysterious Cardinal
A mysterious cardinal approaches Ernesto, bewildering him with inquiries about canonizing his late mother. Until this point, Ernesto had been completely unaware that such proceedings were taking place, leaving him confused and introspective.
Ernesto’s Son Meets Religious Teacher
At school, Ernesto's son encounters a charming 'religious teacher' who captivates his attention. This fleeting yet unattainable attraction complicates their daily lives, adding to the family's chaotic mix of emotions and dilemma.
Conflict with Religious Authority
A religious authority confronts Ernesto regarding his mother's supposed martyrdom. During this tense interaction, he questions Ernesto about his son's lack of baptism, revealing an unsettling insight into Ernesto's personal life and spurring a crisis of faith.
Unexpected Duel
In a bizarre twist of fate, Ernesto is coerced into a duel fueled by a whimsical desire to revive royalty. However, the challenge is abruptly canceled, showcasing the absurdity of the circumstances surrounding him.
Conversations with Aunt
Ernesto holds discussions with his aunt, who despite her lack of devotion, is driven by the prospect of financial gain and family prestige from the potential canonization. These conversations deepen the chaos in Ernesto's journey, complicating his path toward honesty and integrity.
Ernesto’s Principles Tested
Despite the pressures from his aunt to embrace piety for family advantage, Ernesto remains grounded in his principles. His internal battle reflects the broader theme of hypocrisy within his family.
Wife’s Improvised Baptism
In a moment of anxiousness, Ernesto’s wife attempts an improvised baptism of their sleeping child. Her actions signify the tensions between their family's religious expectations and their own doubts regarding faith.
Family Members Await Audience with His Holiness
Ernesto’s aunt eagerly anticipates an audience with His Holiness, alongside other family members. Their excitement underscores the opportunistic motivations driving their desire for sanctification, contrasting sharply with Ernesto's doubts.
Simple Walk to School
In a symbolic act of defiance against the chaos surrounding him, Ernesto opts to walk his son to school instead of pursuing family ambitions. This choice represents his commitment to honesty and genuine relationships amidst hypocrisy.
Ernesto's Reflection
Following the challenges and confrontations, Ernesto finds himself in moments of deep reflection about his lost faith and the absurdity of his circumstances. The surreal journey he undertakes forces him to reevaluate his values and family dynamics.
Family Hypocrisy Exposed
Throughout the narrative, the hypocrisy of Ernesto's family is continuously exposed, especially contrasting his late mother's genuine faith with their opportunistic desires. This theme serves as a critical backdrop to both the humor and tragedy of the story.
Existential Hesitations
Ernesto's interactions with family and the church provoke deep existential hesitations, particularly regarding the integrity of traditions they were once part of. These experiences forge a complex journey towards self-discovery and healing.
End of Absurd Journey
As the film concludes, Ernesto emerges from the absurdity with a firmer grasp on his values, prioritizing honesty and authenticity over family pressures. This resolution highlights the intricate relationship between faith, family, and individual belief systems.
Characters
Ernesto Picciafuoco
Ernesto is a devoted painter whose journey is fraught with spiritual conflict as he grapples with his family's attempts to canonize his mother. Balancing the tension of familial obligations and personal beliefs, he emerges as a figure of integrity within a web of hypocrisy. His commitment to honesty contrasts sharply with the motivations of his relatives.
Setting
Time period
The film captures a contemporary era where traditional values clash with modern skepticism, evident in Ernesto's family's relationship with faith. This period is marked by a search for meaning in a world saturated with hypocrisy, leading to internal conflicts that challenge the characters' beliefs and motivations.
Location
Family Home
The family home serves as a backdrop for the intricate dynamics of Ernesto’s family, revealing both their struggles and ambitions. It is a place where past traditions intermix with the present’s moral predicaments, illustrating how the family's pursuit of canonization impacts their relationships. Set against an urban landscape, the home symbolizes the conflicting interests between genuine faith and opportunistic motives.
Themes
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Faith vs Hypocrisy
The film explores the duality of faith and the hypocrisy often masked by religious fervor. Ernesto’s mother exemplifies true devotion, contrasting sharply with the opportunistic behaviors of other family members. Through their interactions, the movie critiques the superficiality of organized religion, urging a deeper reflection on genuine belief.
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Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, manifesting through Ernesto’s existential dilemmas and his son’s questioning of faith. It highlights the emotional weight of family expectations, underscoring the characters' struggles as they navigate accepting both personal loss and familial legacy. The theme illustrates a profound journey of self-discovery amidst societal pressures.
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Surreal Absurdity
The film weaves an absurd and surreal atmosphere, portraying Ernesto's encounters as increasingly bizarre and challenging. From mysterious confrontations with a cardinal to an ill-fated duel, these elements serve to convey the disordered reality of the characters. This absurdity reflects their inner turmoil, blurring the lines between faith and farce.
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