Dylematy filmu hagiograficznego na przykładzie utworu pt. „Święty Józef Moscati. Lekarz ubogich”
The dilemmas of the hagiographic film on the example of „St. Joseph Moscati. The doctor of the poor”

Summary/Abstract: The hagiographic film „St. Joseph Moscati. The doctor of the poor”, aired on the Italian television Raiuno in 2007, shows the silhouette of a physician from Naples who lived in 1880-1927. The director has chosen and has emphasized those elements of the life of the saint which corresponded to the original concept of his work. Moscati as a doctor, lecturer and Christian has taught us that by the healing of a man we need to take into account both his body and soul. Therefore he has encouraged his patients to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and the Holy Communion. The film treats this subject very superficially. Another drawback of the film is not showing us a fundamental truth about St. Joseph Moscati who led a regular sacramental life and tried to take Holy Communion every morning. Lack of this information has some consequences. The viewer can admire Joseph Moscati but he will not be able to imitate him because of lack of a presentation of his secret sacramental life. We are speaking about the saint who should be a model for us to follow him. An spectator should be aware that knowledge of the saint can’t be limited to only one hagiographic film but should extend to a view at least of few works from different but reliable sources. The film is a valuable work of art awarded at the international festival of Roma Fiction Fest in 2007. It shows a lot of religious values and ethical standards tomore than 6.5 million Italians, as well as many citizens of other countries who learned of the eminent and holy doctor of Naples. In the case of any hagiographic film closer cooperation of filmmakers with the people of the Church certainly would bring much better result to a viewer. It would be more realistic and faithful movie about a saint of the Catholic Church and a better presentation of his message.

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