In my post about Pope John XXIII, I forgot to recommend the semi-official biographical movie “John XXIII: the Pope of Peace”.
Most movies of this sort flounder in hagiographical treacle. This movie has treacly moments but is saved by an intelligent screenplay and by Ed Asner’s brilliant portrayal of Roncalli in his later years.
I also recommend the movie “Saint Vincent” about the life of Saint Vincent de Paul. This movie accomplishes the almost impossible: it portrays a saint in a way that is both credible and sympathetic — thanks to the great Pierre Fresnay, who plays the role of the saint. Fresnay was a classically trained stage actor who also had a career in the movies, most memorably in the role of the aristocratic Capitain de Boldieu in Jean Renoir’s masterpiece “La Grsnde Illusion.” Alec Guiness said that Fresnay was his favorite actor.
