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Mark_A_Martin
MGM was my home studio, and I first worked there from 1971-72, again on one project in 1975 and then continuously from 1978 until the studio lot in Culver City was sold in 1986. I was at The Burbank Studios/Warner Bros. Studios lot from 1973-1978, and then at Warner Feature Animation in Glendale from 1996-1997. I worked on one feature for Columbia Pictures in 1974 and I spent 4 years with Columbia Pictures Television in Burbank from 1986-1990. From 1991-1995, I freelanced on a per project basis at Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Studios and Universal Studios. I have worked on a per project basis at Walt Disney Imagineering in 1997, and 1 year in Project Development at 20th Century-Fox in Beverly Hills in 1998-1999. I then returned to the Walt Disney Company on a per-project basis in 2000. I have segued into working as a Film and Television Historian.
Reviews
Fratello sole, sorella luna (1972)
An Inspiring and Enlightening Motion Picture
"Brother Sun, Sister Moon" is as refreshing today as it was when it was first released in 1972! In our rather cynical world of today, when it seems that the only fare available on the big screen contains an overabundance of violence, brashness and materialism; it is still a joy to behold this bright, outstanding and enlightening montage of Franco Zeffirelli's homage to St. Francis of Assisi. With beautiful, colorful cinematography of the Umbrian and Tuscan country sides; augmented by fine performances and skillful scenarios, this production is a wondrous blend which totally celebrates the life of a mystical man who revered the Creator through nature.
Graham Faulkner's portrayal of St. Francis is sensitive and moving; running the gamut from madness to spiritual ecstasy to the realization of the virtues of simplicity. The young actor's sterling performance is one which will always be remembered through this film. All of the supporting players turn in credible performances; especially Judi Bowker, Valentina Cortese, Kenneth Cranham, Michael Feast, Leigh Lawson and of course, Sir Alec Guinness. This film was produced during an era when some Biblical stories were explored and exhibited as flower child scenarios on the stage and on the screen.
In St. Francis' time, there were many troubadours who roamed throughout Europe as the only musical entertainment for the populace. Donovan's songs in the American version of the film are reminiscent of the Flower Child/Hippie troubadours of the 1960's and the 1970's; with lyrics that are beautifully melded, in some instances, with actual words of the First Franciscan; so what better music would be so perfectly representative of the Peace and Love which St. Francis practiced? Donovan's lyrics are not used in the Italian version of the film; rather, the lilting original score was created by Riz Ortolani and it works just as well. Ortolani's score weaves in and out of the American version with Donovan's songs and the complete Italian version is available on CD.
My only regret about the production is the fact that Donovan's memorable songs in this film were never released in an audio soundtrack recording. I would certainly like to have a CD of the Donovan score to play in my automobile, if only to create a sense of serenity while driving in the rude and mean-spirited traffic of Los Angeles! Even though it is a bit dated in its flower child style, this film remains a truly inspiring and enlightening cinema masterpiece; a celebration of youthful, original innocence.