Word About Biehn

A filmed version of the miracle play by French poet Gabriele D'Annunzio and set to music of the great composer Claude Debussy, The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian tells the story of the Roman soldier and archer, who gave his life for his Christian faith. In Act One, we first see a modern day Sebastian (Michael) caught amidst rioting and unrest in the streets and obviously greatly affected by the violence he witnesses. The scene shifts, and we find him in an outdoor sports stadium competing in an archery contest, but when he steps up to shoot, he is stayed by an apparition of the Christ. Suddenly, the stadium is empty; Sebastian is alone, the appearance of Jesus a deeply personal one that excludes all else. As reality returns, Sebastian again draws his bow, only to be isolated once more by further visions, but these are of himself in the dress of a soldier of the Roman Empire, and he and we are transported back to that long ago time and place.

It is at this point that the story of the saint begins. Sebastian is frolicking with his friends and fellow archers, when he comes upon the scene of a trial. A Roman official is threatening two brothers with torture and death if they do not deny Christ and offer sacrifice to the gods of Rome. At first, Sebastian seems to be only an observer of the proceedings, but when the young men falter in their resolve to die for Christ, he calls upon them to remain steadfast, his own fervor strengthening their will. Sebastian is then enveloped in a halo of God's light, his soul filled with the Spirit of his Savior. Afterward, he offers to sacrifice himself on a bed of flames, but as he dances upon them, the burning coals become lilies, leaving him unharmed and converting many of those present to believe in Christ.

In Act Two, Sebastian is brought before his friend, the Emperor Augustus. Having heard that Sebastian is a Christian, the emperor refuses to accept it, wanting instead to share his throne with the "beautiful young man" whom he desires. Sebastian remains firm in faithfulness to his Christ, but when he is again transfigured, Augustus proclaims him a god, the "prince of beauty and youth." Wavering under the temptations set before him, Sebastian finds strength in his Lord, rejects Caesar, and seals his fate. Condemned to be shot with arrows, Sebastian longs for death and, trusting that he will rise again in Christ, he begs the archers to kill him.

With Sebastian's death, the film comes full circle, showing the martyr's approach to salvation amidst scenes of modern misery and pain. To those who suffer and languish, Sebastian is an inspiration, leading them to seek solace and release in Christ. At the end, Sebastian glories in his fate and reaches out to his Redeemer.

The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian is a little known and rare film that I thoroughly enjoyed. However, it is an unusual production that won't be for everyone. A departure from mainstream moviemaking, it aims more to inspire by music and poetry than it does to entertain in a contemporary filmmaking style, and some viewers may be put off by the difference in tone that results.

The film was shot on location in Turkey with an international cast, and the version I saw is dubbed in French with English subtitles. This proved to be less of a problem than I'd originally feared it would be. Though Michael's new voice speaking French takes some getting used to, the deeper vocal timbre does not jar, and the vocal inflection fits well with Michael's facial expressions and body movements. The lip synch, too, is well enough done so that it doesn't distract. Subtitles are at first cryptic, perhaps following closely the original poetic form, but as the film progresses, what's taking place does become clear. Debussy's incidental music creates a lovely complement to the drama. Combining orchestral and choral forms, it is often soul stirring, with its concluding alleluias especially majestic.

Martyrdom... doesn't aspire to historical accuracy but instead concentrates on Sebastian's passionate faith in God, his zeal to lead others to Christ, and his hope for redemption. It gives us Sebastian himself as a Christ figure, who like his Savior is transfigured before others, is tempted to sin, dies upon a tree, and is glorified in death. The film also attempts to make Sebastian's faith relevant to today's world. In some ways, nothing has changed since the saint's day, and by showing that societal failings endure through time, the film makes the case that we need Christ every bit as much today as did the early Christians.

As Sebastian, Michael is perfectly cast. His role not only draws upon his physical appearance but is significantly defined by it, and his performance successfully captures the spirit of a man filled with religious fervor. Using his handsome and expressive face, Michael exudes awe and wonder, strength and determination, fear and joy. With his blond good looks, he appears almost ethereal at times, illuminated from within by the light of Christ.

As Martyrdom... progressed, I found myself more and more caught up in it. For those willing to judge it on its own terms, it rewards and inspires.

Kay