Fabulous stylistic work of history by Rossellini here. In these history films from late in his career, Rossellini seems to be searching for a way to film the internal conflicts of these great figures, as the outward conflicts are de-emphasized to such a great degree. All the characters, from Descartes to Helene to his detractors, receive equal respect, which provides opportunities to draw your own conclusions about the characters and their ideas.

Rossellini's rigid style is becoming more apparent as I watch this stage in his career - along with the score [works well when its in use for an unsettling background] - it's best when it lets the scenes play out as they are, in long shots, taking in the detail put into these sets. The character of Descartes is elusive and its the respect and dimensions given his character that makes this film work as well as it does, the didactic readings are a joy.