The Order is a dark, gloomy, and somewhat sadistic delving into matters clerical. The story concerns an order of priests named the Carolingans, or Carolinians--the movie never agrees on a pronunciation. At the outset we meet the elder of the order, who is visited by a sin eater--who consumes the transgressions of the dying, taking away his sins so he can go to heaven. This "sin-eating" was apparently popular in the villages of England and the highlands of Scotland in past centuries.

The news of his death is conveyed to the two remaining priests of the order, Alex--played by Heath Ledger--is saying mass in New York and Thomas--played by Mark Addy--is fighting demons in Paris. They meet in Rome to bid farewell to their departed brother.

But once in Rome, they find all is not well, of course. And it's not long before we figure out that all is not well with this movie, either. Joining the priests in Rome is Mara, played by Shannyn Sossamon. She's just escaped from an institution where she was receiving treatment for attempting to shoot Alex. So she escapes, runs to Alex, and soon becomes very close to him.

Ledger, Addy, and Sossamon have been together before, in A Knight's Tale, from 1999, directed by Brian Helgeland. Helgeland is also at the helm of The Order. You might recall A Knight's Tale as a silly medieval thing accompanied by pop music. Dueling knights enter the arena accompanied by Queen's "We Will, We Will Rock You." Knight's Tale was a whimsical affair, one you either liked or you didn't. It kept your attention and offered more than one chuckle if only at the wild choice of music.

Perhaps we can assume that with The Order Helgeland continues his fascination with things medieval. This time he tries to bring us a mystery lurking in monastic-like settings. Although The Order takes place in the present day, it's roots lie way back when. And I'm sure that somewhere down deep, there's something interesting in this movie. What I saw, was just a mess.

The story makes no sense, and what you can understand is either offensive or stupid, or both. Key moments in the film are played out in cemeteries, on dark streets, or in dungeons where hooded demons hang people to glean ultimate truths. Addy and Ledger wander around in this darkness, and so do we, it's never clear what is going on or why.

This movie was not pre-screened for critics. That's got to tell you something. The only hope The Order has for luring an audience is unsuspecting viewers who wander in thinking that Heath Ledger is cute and the story sounds interesting. Beware! I read a comment that this movie might have been good with a different director, different actors, and if it was about something else.


Home || Complete list of reviews