Visions of Ecstasy is a controversial short film directed by Nigel Wingrove in 1989. It portrays the imagined visions and mystical experiences of St. Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic nun. The movie, which is just 18 minutes long, was banned in the UK upon its release due to its allegedly offensive content towards the Catholic Church. It was the first film to be banned in the UK under the new rule of the "Video Recordings Act" of 1984.
The story revolves around St. Teresa of Avila, who had an intense spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. She believed that she could communicate with Christ through mystical experiences and visions. The film attempts to portray these visions in a sensual and erotic way, which led to its controversial nature.
Louise Downie plays the role of St. Teresa of Avila in the movie. She is shown in a dark and gloomy cell, praying to her mystical lover, Jesus Christ. She is often seen in a state of deep sensual bliss, experiencing intense pleasure through her visions.
Elisha Scott plays the role of the "devil," who appears to St. Teresa in her visions. He is shown as a seductive figure, tempting and teasing her with his erotic moves.
Dan Fox plays the role of a repressed priest, who is also shown to be struggling with his own sexual desires. He is torn between his religious faith and his physical attraction towards St. Teresa's sensuality, leading to intense guilt and confusion.
The film is shot in black and white, giving it a haunting, dreamy quality. It tries to capture the essence of St. Teresa's ecstatic experiences, portraying them as a mix of both pleasure and pain.
The overall tone of the movie is dark and moody, with a heavy emphasis on religious symbolism. It attempts to question the notion of religious faith and the conflict between physical desires and spiritual fulfillment.
The movie is not for the faint-hearted, as it contains scenes of nudity, sexual imagery, and graphic depictions of religious ecstasy. It is a provocative and daring piece of art, which challenges the traditional notions of religion and sexuality.
Despite its controversy and banning in the UK, the film has gained a cult following over the years, with many considering it a landmark feminist work. It is a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of the human experience of spirituality, desire, and alienation.
Visions of Ecstasy is a 1989 horror movie with a runtime of 18 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.
