"GALILEO"
Galileo Galilei had his head in the stars. After building an early form of telescope, the ingenious 17th century astronomer/physicist makes a startling, revolutionary discovery -- the moons of Jupiter. This leads him to declare that the Earth rolls around the Sun. The Catholic Church, which loomed pervasively over Italian society, insists that the Earth is the center of the universe and finds Galileo's work to be blasphemous. In the era of the Inquisition, that could result in burning at the stake. Will Galileo embrace the role of martyr? Will he relent and recant?
This vital chunk of history was examined in the play "Galileo," by Bertolt Brecht. His first version of the theatrical piece came in the 1930s. In the 40s, Charles Laughton starred in a production. In 1975, American Film Theatre released a cinema version with Topol in the title role, directed by Joseph Losey. It is now available from Kino Classics.
Topol captures Galileo's unwavering passion for science. Galileo immerses himself totally in experiments, as his students worshipfully hang on his every word. As the character ages, Topol makes the transitions credible and seamless.
A trio of boys sing between scenes, providing a graceful segue.
Losey's superb supporting cast includes Edward Fox, Tom Conti, Colin Blakely, Margaret Leighton, Michael Gough, Michael Lonsdale, Patrick Magee and John Gielgud. Georgia Brown and Clive Revill pop up as colorful ballad singers.
Losey, who had directed the 1947 theatrical production, brings Brecht's work to the screen skillfully, retaining the theatrical elements, while also making it effective cinematically. Having been blacklisted during the McCarthy era, as was Brecht, the director could profoundly relate to the fear and dilemmas instigated by the Church's witch hunts. His film is smart, stylish and thought-provoking. It demonstrates how truth and reason can be buried beneath a mountain of oppression. The screenplay, penned by Losey and Barbara Bray, also touches upon the uses -- and misuses -- of science, as in how it can be quickly co-opted for military purposes.
Like "Lost in the Stars," the "Galileo" Blu-ray contains the bonuses featuring the Edie and Ely Landau segments, as well as the American Film Theatre trailers. Viewers also get an informative 2003 interview with Topol, who expresses his love for Brecht, the play and the role. He also offers insights into Losey.
