‘The Little Hours’ (2017), directed by Jeff Baena, is one such intriguing adaptation that has caught my attention. The movie is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s classic Italian novella, ‘Decameron’.
This blog post aims to offer a comprehensive book summary, character analysis, and draw out the fascinating differences between the film and its original literary inspiration.
‘The Little Hours’ is a story set in the 14th century, revolving around a convent of nuns who lead a simple, monastic life. The tranquility of their routine is disrupted when a handsome young gardener named Massetto is hired.
The film is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, humor, and unexpected turns that makes it a delightful watch.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the narrative and characters, along with a detailed exploration of the film and its connections to Boccaccio’s ‘Decameron’.
‘The Little Hours’: A Detailed Book Summary
Our journey into understanding ‘The Little Hours’ begins with a detailed book summary. The film opens with a serene depiction of a nunnery in the Italian countryside. The calmness of this setting is soon disrupted by the arrival of Massetto, a young servant on the run from his vengeful master.
Massetto is hired by the resident priest to work as a gardener, under the condition that he pretends to be deaf and mute to avoid tempting the nuns.
However, his attractive appearance doesn’t go unnoticed by the three young nuns, Alessandra, Fernanda, and Ginevra, who begin to challenge their vows of chastity.
The narrative progresses with a series of comedic and dramatic events, as the nuns start competing for Massetto’s attention.
The story reaches a climax when the truth about Massetto’s identity gets revealed, leading to an uproar in the convent. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it an engaging watch.
Character Analysis: Who’s Who in ‘The Little Hours’
Understanding the characters is crucial to fully comprehend any narrative. In ‘The Little Hours’, each character is unique and contributes significantly to the storyline.
Alessandra, played by Alison Brie, is a young nun who yearns for a life outside the confines of the convent. She’s caught between her desire for freedom and her commitment to religious life.
Fernanda, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, is a rebellious nun who questions the rules of the convent and leads the pack in challenging the status quo. Ginevra, played by Kate Micucci, is an innocent and naive nun who gets caught up in the happenings stirred by her fellow sisters.
Massetto, portrayed by Dave Franco, is the charming gardener who unintentionally becomes the center of attention in the convent.
His character is caught in a web of lies, lust, and conflicting emotions. Each character in ‘The Little Hours’ is crafted with depth, adding layers to the narrative.
Exploring the fascinating differences from Giovanni Boccaccio’s ‘Decameron’
Comparing ‘The Little Hours’ with Giovanni Boccaccio’s ‘Decameron’ reveals fascinating differences.
The ‘Decameron’ is a collection of 100 novellas, with ‘The Little Hours’ drawing inspiration from one particular story, ‘The Third Day, the First Novella’.
The original story revolves around a man who pretends to be mute to fool the nuns. However, in ‘The Little Hours’, this character is not just mute but also deaf, adding another layer of complexity to his role.
Additionally, the modern film introduces elements of humor and satire, making it a light-hearted adaptation of the classic tale.
While ‘Decameron’ is set in the 14th-century Italy, ‘The Little Hours’ does not explicitly state its setting, giving it a timeless feel. Moreover, the language used in the film is modern English, in contrast to the old Italian used in ‘Decameron’, making it more accessible to the contemporary audience.
Parent Guide to ‘The Little Hours’
As a parent, it’s essential to understand the content of a film before showing it to your children. ‘The Little Hours’ is rated R for its sexual content, nudity, and language, making it unsuitable for young viewers.
The film is filled with humor and wit, but it also contains adult themes that may not be appropriate for children.
It displays the struggles of the characters in a comedic light, but some of these situations involve sexual innuendos and explicit scenes.
‘The Little Hours’ also explores religious themes, questioning the norms and expectations of a religious life.
Though these themes are approached with humor, they may require mature understanding. Therefore, it’s advisable to watch this film with discretion.
When and Where: Understanding the setting and film locations of ‘The Little Hours’
‘The Little Hours’ takes place in a remote convent in the Italian countryside. While the film does not specify a particular time period, the setting, costumes, and storyline suggest a medieval backdrop, similar to its original inspiration, ‘Decameron’.
The film was shot in beautiful locations in Italy, adding authenticity to the setting. The picturesque landscapes, ancient buildings, and serene environment perfectly depict the quiet life in a convent and provide a beautiful contrast to the chaos that ensues in the narrative.
Notable Quotes from ‘The Little Hours’
‘The Little Hours’ is filled with memorable quotes that add depth to the narrative and the characters.
From humorous one-liners to profound statements, these quotes perfectly encapsulate the essence of the film.
One notable quote is by Alessandra, who says, “We’re stuck here. All we do is work, and we’re not even allowed to enjoy it.
” This quote highlights her yearning for freedom and dissatisfaction with her monastic life.
Another noteworthy quote is by Massetto, who states, “I’m not who you think I am.” This quote perfectly summarizes his character’s predicament, caught between his true identity and the persona he’s forced to adopt.
‘The Little Hours’ Soundtrack by Dan Romer: A Deep Dive
The music in ‘The Little Hours’, composed by Dan Romer, plays a crucial role in setting the mood for the film.
The soundtrack blends traditional medieval music with modern elements, reflecting the film’s fusion of old and new.
Romer’s music adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the emotions and actions of the characters.
The soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s comedic and dramatic moments, making it an integral part of the viewing experience.
Curiosities and interesting facts about ‘The Little Hours’
‘The Little Hours’ is filled with interesting facts and curiosities that add to its charm. For instance, the film was shot in just 20 days, which is remarkably short for a full-length feature film.
Another interesting fact is that the script was only 20 pages long, as most of the dialogues were improvised by the actors.
This improvisation adds a natural and spontaneous feel to the characters’ interactions.
Additionally, the film faced controversy due to its depiction of nuns and religious life, leading to its ban in several countries.
Despite these controversies, ‘The Little Hours’ was received positively by critics for its unique narrative style and refreshing humor.
Tips for Cosplay: Dress like the characters from ‘The Little Hours’
If you’re a fan of ‘The Little Hours’ and want to dress like the characters, here are some tips for cosplay.
The nuns’ costumes are simple yet distinctive, consisting of a traditional nun’s habit, which includes a white coif, black veil, tunic, and scapular.
Massetto’s costume is that of a typical medieval peasant, consisting of a loose shirt, trousers, and a vest.
To complete the look, don’t forget the gardening tools that are his constant companions in the film.
Giovanni Boccaccio: A Brief Biography and Works
Giovanni Boccaccio was a renowned Italian writer, poet, and an important figure in the Italian Renaissance.
Born in 1313, Boccaccio is best known for his classic work, ‘Decameron’, a collection of 100 novellas that offer a glimpse into 14th-century Italian society.
Boccaccio’s works are known for their narrative power, character development, and exploration of human emotions.
Despite facing criticism for their explicit content, Boccaccio’s stories have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated for their literary merit.
Ending Explained: ‘The Little Hours’
The ending of ‘The Little Hours’ is as unexpected and humorous as the rest of the film. After the truth about Massetto’s identity is revealed, the nuns are forced to confront their actions and desires.
In a surprising turn of events, the nuns, along with Massetto, decide to leave the convent and start a new life.
This ending resonates with the film’s overall theme of breaking free from societal norms and expectations.
It leaves the audience with a sense of satisfaction and closure, tying up the narrative in a neat bow.
Remake, Sequel, Spin-off: The Future of ‘The Little Hours’
As of now, there has been no official announcement about a remake, sequel, or spin-off of ‘The Little Hours’.
However, given the film’s unique narrative style and positive reception, it would be exciting to see these characters and their story continue in future projects.
Whether it’s exploring the characters’ lives after they leave the convent or delving deeper into their past, there’s plenty of potential for expanding the world of ‘The Little Hours’. Fans of the film will surely be eagerly awaiting any news regarding its future.
Other Media by Jeff Baena: A Look into his Works
Jeff Baena, the director of ‘The Little Hours’, is known for his unique storytelling and character-driven narratives.
His other works include ‘Life After Beth’, ‘Joshy’, and ‘Horse Girl’, all of which showcase his knack for blending comedy with drama and creating compelling characters.
Baena’s films are known for their quirky humor, nuanced performances, and unconventional narratives. If you enjoyed ‘The Little Hours’, you might want to explore Baena’s other works for a similar cinematic experience.
Media Similar to ‘The Little Hours’ and ‘Decameron’
If you enjoyed ‘The Little Hours’ and ‘Decameron’, there are several other films and books that you might find interesting.
‘Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales’ is a classic collection of stories that, like ‘Decameron’, offer a glimpse into medieval society through diverse narratives.
In terms of films, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (2012), directed by Joss Whedon, is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s play that blends old and new in a similar way to ‘The Little Hours’. ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975) is another film that offers a comedic take on medieval themes.
Other Works by Giovanni Boccaccio: A Brief Overview
Apart from ‘Decameron’, Giovanni Boccaccio wrote several other works that showcased his literary brilliance.
‘Fiammetta’ is a novel written in the form of a letter from a woman to her lover. ‘De claris mulieribus’ is a collection of biographies of famous women from history and mythology.
Boccaccio’s works are celebrated for their exploration of human emotions, social commentary, and narrative style.
If you enjoyed ‘Decameron’, you might want to delve into Boccaccio’s other works for a deeper understanding of his literary prowess.
Book Club Questions for ‘The Little Hours’
If you’re planning to discuss ‘The Little Hours’ in your book club, here are some questions that might spark interesting conversations:
- How does ‘The Little Hours’ depict the life of nuns in a convent?
- How does the film challenge the traditional norms and expectations of a religious life?
- What are the significant differences between ‘The Little Hours’ and its original inspiration, ‘Decameron’?
- How do the characters evolve throughout the narrative?
- How does the ending of ‘The Little Hours’ resonate with the film’s overall theme?
‘The Little Hours’ in Video Games: A Unique Exploration
While there are no video games directly based on ‘The Little Hours’, the film’s medieval setting and character-driven narrative could be an interesting premise for a game.
Imagine playing as Massetto, navigating through the convent, completing tasks, and interacting with the nuns, all while maintaining your secret identity.
Until such a game is developed, fans of ‘The Little Hours’ could explore games with similar themes,
such as ‘The Sims Medieval’ or ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’, which offer a glimpse into medieval life.
Travel Guide: Visit the Locations of ‘The Little Hours’
‘The Little Hours’ was filmed in beautiful locations in Italy, which you can visit to experience the film’s setting firsthand.
The film was shot in Tuscany, known for its stunning landscapes and historical landmarks.
You can visit the picturesque town of Volterra where some scenes were filmed or explore the serene countryside that beautifully depicts the tranquility of the convent.
Visiting these locations will not only offer a glimpse into the world of ‘The Little Hours’ but also provide a memorable travel experience.
Conclusion
‘The Little Hours’ is a unique film that offers a fresh and humorous take on a classic tale from ‘Decameron’.
This blog post has provided a comprehensive analysis of the film, including a detailed book summary, character analysis, and exploration of its fascinating differences from its original inspiration.
Whether you’re a fan of ‘The Little Hours’, a literature enthusiast, or a cinema lover, this exploration of the film offers valuable insights and intriguing facts.
If this analysis has piqued your interest, I encourage you to watch ‘The Little Hours’ and experience its unique narrative style and captivating characters.
