“The Man Who Was Thursday” is based on the book of the same name by G.K. Chesterton in 1908. Balazs Juszt has recreated this chilling psychological thriller, directing his stars, Francois Arnaud (Father Smith) , Ana Ularu (Saturday), and Jordi Molla (Charles) to give us the classic Good vs. Evil scenario, but with unusual and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the bitterly shocking end.
Father Smith is struggling with his faith, but when a gorgeous and voluptuous temptress enters his life, seemingly intent on shocking him in the confessional, he questions his faith to its very core. His past a sordid one and now the temptations that present themselves shake him to a point that he can no longer lead his flock. Spiritual rehabilitation is the only path he can follow as a long-time friend, Charles, has a special assignment for him. He accepts his new task, attempting to find the
covert
group of anarchists in Rome. Dreams, hallucinations, and reality become blurred, requiring Father Smith, now named “Thursday,” to plunge deeper into this group as he becomes one of them. His task? To find “Sunday.”
Is it just a chance that the goal is to find “Sunday?” No. The religious symbolism is quite gloriously used in each and every scene, from colors and numbers to the Biblical stories themselves. The film creates tension and a perfect amount of confusion to pull you into the story, pushing you forward to solve the puzzle before you. What’s real and what’s not? Who is good and who is evil? With gorgeous cinematography, editing of dream-like scenarios, and perspective, the viewer sees the world and is allowed to know only what “Thursday” knows. We are on the journey together.
This provocative and tantalizing tale is a visceral experience into supernatural horror and religion. The characters are just as striking, and
Arnaud and Ularu are sublime. Ularu’s character is a complex one, to say the least. She easily toys with everyone she encounters, including the viewer, challenging us as she reveals a bit more about her personality and intentions. Arnaud’s performance is (dare I say?) heavenly. We hear his pain and feel his struggle as we witness his doubts about God. The chemistry and base human instinct that Arnaud portrays is palpable. Molla’s character of “Charles” is wonderfully elusive, and he plays it to a “t.” Together, these three main actors convey the level of complexity and interest using natural chemistry and a true understanding of their characters’ purpose.
“The Man Who Was Thursday” takes the viewer on a sometimes gory and provocative trip as a priest questions his faith in God. It’s intensely thrilling, both psychologically and emotionally, as you try to solve the mystery of Good vs. Evil. Be ready to be shocked.
If you’re in Austin, you can see this film’s North American premiere on October 15 and then again on the 19th. For more information, go to www.austinfilmfestival.com