The Convent (1995)
"O Convento" (original title)

The journey of Michael Padovic, an American professor who arrives with his wife, Helene, at a Portuguese convent where he expects to find the documents needed to prove his theory: ... See full summary »

Director:

Manoel de Oliveira

Writers:

Manoel de Oliveira (scenario and dialogue), Agustina Bessa-Luís (inspired by an idea from)

Stars:

Catherine Deneuve, John Malkovich, Luís Miguel Cintra

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Catherine Deneuve	...	Hélène
John Malkovich	...	Michael
Luís Miguel Cintra	...	Baltar
Leonor Silveira	...	Piedade
João Bénard da Costa	...	Baltazar (as Duarte de Almeida)
Heloísa Miranda	...	Berta
Gilberto Gonçalves	...	Fisherman

Storyline

The journey of Michael Padovic, an American professor who arrives with his wife, Helene, at a Portuguese convent where he expects to find the documents needed to prove his theory: Shakespeare was born in Spain; not in England.

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Plot Keywords:

occult | satanism | library | historical research | astrology | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Madragoa Films (Portuguese/English)

Country:

Portugal France

Language:

French English Portuguese

Release Date:

1 December 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Convent

Filming Locations:

Arrábida Natural Park, Serra da Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal

Box Office

Gross:

$52,609 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Madragoa Filmes, Gemini Films, La Sept Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"The Seven Last Words (Partita in 7 Movements) for Cello, Bayan & String Orchestra: La Dernière"
Music by Sofiya Gubajdulina (as Sofia Gubaidulia)
Conducted by Timur Mynbayev (as Timur Mynbaev)
Melodyya (Russia) SUCD 10-00109

User Reviews

Well A Strange Film it Was

I consider myself a rather weird individual myself, I see strange foreign and art films, I read a lot on history and classics. Yet when I saw this film I oculdn't stop wondering what in the world was happening. I understand the metaphysical aspects of the film, even the Faust influence, but to me it lacked something central. The acting was great from Deneuve and Malkovich (Loved Shadow of a Vampire), but some other actors were a bit too fake, too overly dramatic. Yes, the cinematography is gorgeous, it makes me feel rather odd and at the same time its beauty is alarming. I think that it is actually an okay film that needs a better score and a more developed plot. A good but not phenomenal film. I have seen better movies concerning this idealogy, not many but a handful.