Wise Blood

About Wise Blood

Wise Blood is a 1979 American drama film directed by John Huston. It is based on the novel Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor. The film tells the story of Hazel Motes, a World War II veteran who returns home to Tennessee to find a world changed. Hazel decides to embark on a quest to establish his Church Without Christ, resulting in encounters with a variety of eccentric characters.

Making / Production

Directed by the legendary John Huston, Wise Blood was filmed on location in Georgia. The production design by J. Dennis Washington and Marianna Elliott faithfully recreated the Southern Gothic atmosphere of Flannery O'Connor's novel. The screenplay was co-written by Huston and Benedict Fitzgerald, who worked meticulously to bring O'Connor's unique vision to life on screen.

Actors

• Brad Dourif portrayed the role of Hazel Motes. His intense and passionate portrayal of the disillusioned and bitter veteran is unforgettable, earning critical acclaim.
• John Huston himself played the part of the preacher, Grandfather. With his commanding presence, he gave an electrifying performance.
• Amy Wright was cast as Sabbath Lily, contributing an enigmatic and peculiar presence to the narrative.
• Harry Dean Stanton played the part of Asa Hawks, a blind street preacher who becomes a crucial figure in Hazel's life.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Director John Huston and co-writer Benedict Fitzgerald had an unusual approach to the script. They tried to use as much of Flannery O'Connor's original dialogue as possible.
• Despite its dark and complex themes, the film was rated PG.
• Director John Huston wasn't just behind the camera; he also played a significant role in the film.

Awards

The movie was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival.

Quotes

• "I'm gonna do some things I ain't never done before. I'm gonna be a preacher."
• "Where you come from is gone, where you thought you were going to was never there, and where you are is no good unless you can get away from it."

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack for Wise Blood was composed by Alex North, a notable composer known for his works on A Streetcar Named Desire and Spartacus.
• The film's original score enhances the narrative's haunting and gothic undertones.