Bernadette (1988) - film review

In the 1850s, a young woman, Bernadette Soubirous, is growing up with her poor working class family in the French town of Lourdes.  One day, whilst out walking with her sisters, she has a strange vision.  A divine woman bathed in a white light appears to her.  When the townsfolk get to hear this story, Bernadette is ridiculed by those in authority and revered by people of her own class.  Her life has been changed forever...

Towards the very end of his long and distinguished filmmaking career, director Jean Delannoy turned his attention to religious subjects, including this largely accurate and compelling portrait of the life of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes.  In contrast to many religious films, Delannoy’s approach is very direct and down-to-earth, portraying his subject with humanity, even a touch of comedy.  The film doesn’t show us what Bernadette saw but focuses on the way in which the event transforms her life and the lives of those around her.  Whilst not a great film, of the stature of some of Delannoy’s earlier classics, it is beautifully filmed with a close attention to historical detail, and tells its story effectively, with warmth, compassion and a touch of irony.  Delannoy told the second part of Saint Bernadette’s story (her life in the convent) in the film’s sequel, La Passion de Bernadette (1989).

© James Travers 2004

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