L'Oeuvre au noir (1988)
Directed by André Delvaux

Film Review

This sombre adaptation of Marguerite Yourcenar's acclaimed literary work was directed by the acclaimed Belgian film-maker André Delvaux.  Visually, the film is impressive and it boasts an excellent cast, but for all its excellent production values it is a heavy and somewhat laboured affair.  Delvaux's apparent obsession with mood and detail prevents him from creating a film that is coherent and engaging, although he does succeed in evoking something of the dark poetry and intimacy of Yourcenar's novel.

Film Synopsis

In Europe during the 16th century, Zénon Ligre is a prominent surgeon and alchemist who devotes his life to the study of the human body and the relief of mortal suffering.  In this, he is opposed by the Catholic church, which regards such men of science as dangerous heretics and a threat to its authority.  To save his life, Zénon has no choice but to adopt an alias, Sébastien Théus, and it is under this name that he returns to his home town of Bruges thirty years after he was last there, to find it under Spanish occupation.  He is offered sanctuary by an old friend, Myers, from whom he inherits a vast fortune when the unfortunate man is murdered by his servant.

With his newfound wealth, Zénon readily converts a convent into a surgery so that he can dedicate himself to healing the town's sick.  It isn't long before the surgeon is recognised and brought to the attention of the town's authorities, who waste no time acting against him.  As Zénon immerses himself in his good works, his enemies conspire against him, accusing him of holding orgies and spreading anti-Catholic dissent.  His identity uncovered, Zénon is brought before the Inquisition and sentenced to death for heresy.  Rather than accept the Church's authority, the surgeon chooses instead to kill himself and die a free man...