Francesco d'Assisi 1966

Cavani made her first full-length feature film in 1966 with Francis of Assisi (Francesco d'Assisi). Made for television and aired in two parts, it was deeply influenced by the style of Rossellini and the atmosphere typical of the films of Pasolini. Made in a period of political unrest, it was to become a kind of manifesto of dissenting Catholicism. Starring Lou Castel, it portrays Francis of Assisi as a slightly depressed protestor and an avid, albeit mad, supporter of armed brotherhood. The ideal defender of the 1968 student movement. The film was a great success, but also triggered many negative reactions. It was called "heretical, blasphemous and offensive for the faith of the Italian people". It was the first of many polemical reactions to Cavani's work.

Cast:

Lou Castel
Francesco d'Assisi 

Giancarlo Sbragia
Pietro Bernardone 

Maria Grazia Marescalchi
Pica Bernardone 

Mino Bellei
Fra' Bernardo 

Marcello Formica
Capitano di ventura 

Roberto Di Massimo
Guido