Au hasard Balthazar (1966)

Here is a movie I have wanted to see for some time because of its spiritual implications. Technically, the movie, as an arthouse film, does not disappoint. I'll take others' word that this is Bresson's best film, since this is my first from him. I did not have a problem with the minimalism or the abuse -- though it seems odd how some complain more about cruelty to animals than to fellow humans -- since these were elements employed to convey the story and its implied moral (your guess is as good as mine). I think I had a problem with the pacing and transitions. It became quite confusing to follow who had custody of Balthazar, and how. (At one point, I was lucky to surmise he may have wandered into the outskirts of a circus camp, because in the next scenes, he was suddenly performing chores and tricks for the circus wranglers.) Even Marie's father, who shrinks in his bed away from the priest, has his hands being folded in eternal repose 20 seconds later. In any case, Balthazar truly is a "saint" (baptized and incensed) whose beatific gaze sees beyond the present indignities and even terrors. Compare him with Marie, whose eyes and moral compass grow dulled as she becomes inured to abuse and maltreatment, and expects (or even invites) more of the same. Here is a film that raises more questions than it answers. Enjoy! Technical merit, 5 stars; personal emotional impact, 3.5 stars. (10-28-2016)