Hail Mary

Hail Mary provocatively combines sexual politics with religion, analyzing the complex, nearly sadistic relationship between Marie (Myriem Roussel) and Joseph (Thierry Rode) as a result of Marie's unexplainable virgin birth. An angel, escorted in Marie's boyfriend Joseph's taxicab, brings news of her upcoming challenge, while she's working at her father's gas station. Joseph, appalled at the idea that the baby isn't his, witnesses her pregnancy and, even after marriage, is not allowed to kiss Marie or see her nude, for Marie's fear that she will curse the child. The passive gender role often assigned to Virgin Mary is overturned as Marie controls Joseph with his own desires. A side-plot in which a Science teacher (Johan Leysen) and his student, Eva (Anne Gauthier), consider human evolution, reminds the viewer of the literal absurdity of a Virgin Birth while honoring its poetic mystery. Godard clearly respects this Biblical story, as he presents a multi-faceted view in this contemporized re-telling. Sophisticated cinematography features heavenly shots of sunbeams shining through clouds. Also on this DVD is The Book of Mary, a short film by Godard's collaborator, Anne-Marie Miéville, describing yet another ultimately doomed relationship between a couple (Bruno Cremer and Aurore Clément) who temporarily stay together as a sacrifice for their daughter, Marie (Rebecca Hampton). Questioning the judgment of those who remain together for the wrong reasons, this short amplifies Joseph's dedication in Hail Mary, adding depth to his character, both in the film and in the original, sacred version. --Trinie Dalton