THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
Historical context
The film is set in 17th-century America, a period when Europe establishes its colonies in distant overseas territories in search of raw materials, gold, diamonds, and vast fields to transform into plantations. This is the historical moment of the extermination of the Indians, the indigenous people who were first fought and then killed in their own camps. It is very interesting to observe the daily life in the villages of the early English settlers, the still absolutely secondary role reserved for women, and the supremacy of men in society and in the family. The women had to wear long pleated skirts that covered them as much as possible and bonnets that hid their hair, always tied up at the nape of the neck; they were dedicated to housework, children, and if any of them revealed a particular intelligence or initiative, she was still classified as a witch. All this perfectly represents that colonial world of the 16th century subjugated to the false moralism of Puritanism, an English movement whose purpose was to "purify" the Church of England from all forms not provided for in the Holy Scriptures: everything was sin, the Bible influenced every human action, and those who did not respect these laws were harshly punished.
THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
PLOT
This is precisely what happens in the Massachusetts colony to the protagonist Hester Prynne, who, believing her husband dead after leaving to fight the Indians, falls in love with, and is loved by, Reverend Dimmesdale. The two become lovers, and when Hester discovers she is pregnant, she decides not to reveal the father's name to anyone; she is first imprisoned and tried before the entire village, then a large patch with the letter "A" for "adulteress" is sewn onto her chest. The husband Roger unexpectedly returns and wants to avenge himself by killing Dimmesdale, but he shoots the wrong man and then commits suicide out of remorse. The reverend publicly reveals his paternity and, taking advantage of an ambush by the Indians, the two escape together with their baby to start a new life in Carolina.
THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
Villans
Members of the Puritan church: The role of the villains is played by members of the Puritan Church, those who imprison Hester and shame her in front of everyone; their backward and conservative mentality is accompanied by wickedness, emphasizing their taste for persecution, false accusations, where everything human is considered a sin and nothing can be forgiven. Roger Chillingworth: He too is evil, but no one dares to stop him because he is a man, and therefore, Hester is his property. The hypocrisy of Puritanism dictates living under the dictates of the Bible, but turns a blind eye if a murderer kills out of revenge or jealousy.
THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
Heroes
Hester and Dimmesdale: Characters that represent the strength of love, courage, and the demonstration that loving each other is not a sin when the feelings are genuine. Pearl: Their newborn daughter is undoubtedly the symbol of purity, innocence, and will be for them the beginning of the journey towards a new life, free from the falsehood of the Puritans. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale: Despite being afflicted by a deep sense of guilt for his involvement in adultery with Hester Prynne, Dimmesdale is a complex character who seeks redemption for his sins. Despite his inner torments, Dimmesdale demonstrates innate goodness and compassion towards others.
MOVIE REVIEW
Giulia Lapia
Created on April 7, 2024
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Transcript
THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
Historical context
The film is set in 17th-century America, a period when Europe establishes its colonies in distant overseas territories in search of raw materials, gold, diamonds, and vast fields to transform into plantations. This is the historical moment of the extermination of the Indians, the indigenous people who were first fought and then killed in their own camps. It is very interesting to observe the daily life in the villages of the early English settlers, the still absolutely secondary role reserved for women, and the supremacy of men in society and in the family. The women had to wear long pleated skirts that covered them as much as possible and bonnets that hid their hair, always tied up at the nape of the neck; they were dedicated to housework, children, and if any of them revealed a particular intelligence or initiative, she was still classified as a witch. All this perfectly represents that colonial world of the 16th century subjugated to the false moralism of Puritanism, an English movement whose purpose was to "purify" the Church of England from all forms not provided for in the Holy Scriptures: everything was sin, the Bible influenced every human action, and those who did not respect these laws were harshly punished.
THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
PLOT
This is precisely what happens in the Massachusetts colony to the protagonist Hester Prynne, who, believing her husband dead after leaving to fight the Indians, falls in love with, and is loved by, Reverend Dimmesdale. The two become lovers, and when Hester discovers she is pregnant, she decides not to reveal the father's name to anyone; she is first imprisoned and tried before the entire village, then a large patch with the letter "A" for "adulteress" is sewn onto her chest. The husband Roger unexpectedly returns and wants to avenge himself by killing Dimmesdale, but he shoots the wrong man and then commits suicide out of remorse. The reverend publicly reveals his paternity and, taking advantage of an ambush by the Indians, the two escape together with their baby to start a new life in Carolina.
THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
Villans
Members of the Puritan church: The role of the villains is played by members of the Puritan Church, those who imprison Hester and shame her in front of everyone; their backward and conservative mentality is accompanied by wickedness, emphasizing their taste for persecution, false accusations, where everything human is considered a sin and nothing can be forgiven. Roger Chillingworth: He too is evil, but no one dares to stop him because he is a man, and therefore, Hester is his property. The hypocrisy of Puritanism dictates living under the dictates of the Bible, but turns a blind eye if a murderer kills out of revenge or jealousy.
THE SCARLETT LETTER
Roland Joffé (1995)
7'5/10
Heroes
Hester and Dimmesdale: Characters that represent the strength of love, courage, and the demonstration that loving each other is not a sin when the feelings are genuine. Pearl: Their newborn daughter is undoubtedly the symbol of purity, innocence, and will be for them the beginning of the journey towards a new life, free from the falsehood of the Puritans. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale: Despite being afflicted by a deep sense of guilt for his involvement in adultery with Hester Prynne, Dimmesdale is a complex character who seeks redemption for his sins. Despite his inner torments, Dimmesdale demonstrates innate goodness and compassion towards others.