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St. Peter

St. Peter (2005)

Saint Peter, a reluctant but passionate leader, from the crucifixion of Jesus to his own. The film's first half dramatizes the New Testament's "Acts": early fear, the renewal of Pentecost, Saul's conversion, the decision to baptize pagans, and the Apostles' dispersal. In the second half, an aged Peter goes to Rome to join Paul, arriving on the day of Paul's arrest. Paul's death brings a crisis to Rome's Christians and to Peter; lessons from Jesus's teachings guide his decision to stay. Events within the fictive household of Persius, a Roman aristocrat, capture the upheaval that Christian teachings bring to the Eternal City.

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Directed by Giulio Base

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Giulio Base
Producer
  • Luca Bernabei

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, St. Peter examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Giulio Base brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2005, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of St. Peter took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 186 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 234 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1582 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2005, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While St. Peter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Last Days of Winter, which focuses more on action than character development, St. Peter subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Passion of Joan of Arc and Ben-Hur explore similar territory, St. Peter stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 24, 2005
  • Runtime: 3h 6m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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