April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
MOVIE REVIEW
Film explores fascinating nun
Blessed Hildegard has been recently rediscovered as scholars and pilgrims explore the rich world of medieval Europe.
Because Hildegard is such an exceptional woman, I was anticipating "Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen," a film that opened last week at the Spectrum Theatre in Albany.
"Vision" was directed by Margarethe von Trotta, one of the most sensitive directors working today. I was eager to see how Von Trotta perceived this extraordinary woman and how Barbara Sukowa, who plays Hildegard, would present her.
I was not disappointed. The film, like Hildegard herself, is rich, nuanced, often enigmatic.
We see a woman of her time and of ours: When, for instance, the abbot decides to appoint Hildegard magistra (superior) after the former magistra dies, Hildegard replies serenely that the sisters, not the abbot, will make that decision.
Brought as a child to the monastery, Hildegard spends her life as a Benedictine nun. Evidently taught to read and write by Jutta, the magistra who becomes her spiritual mother and mentor, Hildegard has a wide interest in learning - particularly in medicinal herbs, which she cultivates and uses not only for the infirm sisters, but for all who come to the monastery.
She also composes and sings, both in prayer and in a morality play about virtues and vice.
At around age 40, Hildegard confides to her confessor that she has been visited by God on numerous occasions. These visions ("lights," she calls them) contain revelations, exhortations and reminders of God's mercy - this, in a time when intense physical mortification, self-flagellation and extreme fasting were the recommended norm.
After a good bit of ecclesiastical and political bickering and one-upping, Hildegard is commanded to write down her visions for the benefit of others.
Many aspects of this film make it successful, not the least of which is the restrained attitude toward Hildegard's visions and, indeed, Hildegard herself.
She is fascinating in the film, but she is not a saint. She is entirely human: not above threats, going over heads, crying fits and possibly feigning serious illness in order to get her way.
Commanded by God, she says, to found a monastery but forbidden to do so by the abbot, she falls into a deathly faint and remains there. As the community gathers to recite the prayers for the dying, word comes that the permission has been granted.
Hildegard opens her eyes. Everyone rejoices. The nuns set out and build the monastery.
My enjoyment of this film did not keep me from wishing there had been more of Hilde-gard's music. Fortunately, the music is available on excellent CDs.
Hildegard herself becomes more accessible through this film. She might become a good friend for our time.
(Sister Kitty Hanley is associate dean and director of St. Bernard's Institute for Theology and Ministry, an Albany graduate school, where she teaches on the history of Christianity.)
"Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen" is currently showing at the Spectrum Theatre in Albany. For showtimes, call 449-8995.[[In-content Ad]]
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