The Phillip Island Movie Club (PIMC) presents “Caravaggio’s Shadow” on Wednesday, February 14 at Berninneit, commencing at 7pm.

The 2022 Italian film is directed by Michele Placedo who also stars as Cardinal del Monte.

Caravaggio was a 16th Century painter and regarded as one of the most prominent Italian artists of his generation with his realistic depiction of the human form.

His work was a huge influence on Baroque painting. Caravaggio used prostitutes, beggars and thieves as his models, transforming prostitutes into the Virgin Mary and thieves into saints on his canvas and this earned him the ire of the Catholic Church.

Caravaggio (played here by Riccardo Scamarcio) had earlier been involved in a street brawl with Tomassoni, the gangster son of a wealthy family. Caravaggio was forced to flee Rome after Tomassoni died. He gained temporary sanctuary in Naples, while he hoped for a Papal Pardon.

However, Pope Paul V decided to investigate the painter and the rumours concerning his debauched lifestyle to see if he was deserving of such treatment. He sent a papal inquisitor (Louis Garrel), known simply as Ombra (the shadow) to question some of his patrons and those who knew him best. This included the Marquessa Colonna (Isabelle Huppert) who had first offered him shelter when he fled to Naples and patron and art collector the Cardinal del Monte (Michele Placedo).

Caravaggio died under mysterious circumstances in Tuscany in 1610, but this film offers up a plausible solution to that.

Placedo has wanted to make this film for 50 years and uses a non-linear narrative structure that jumps back and forth in time to reveal his story and this may be difficult for those who do not know Caravaggio’s work. It is a complex time in the history of the church and the film explores this making for a gripping historical thriller.

The PIMC will provide a drink and popcorn prior to the film, starting at 6.15pm.

“We are hoping members will be able to mix socially and meet new members as there will be no need to rush in for a seat as you can now choose your seat when booking,” a spokesperson said.

Entry to Berninneit is from the door in front of the kiosk.

Members will need to book for this film and bring their booking and PIMC membership card to gain entrance.

"Caravaggio’s Shadow” runs for 120 mins and is rated MA (for strong sex, nudity and coarse language).