Films about religion tend to be vociferous as they need to convince viewers about the importance and role of religion in their daily lives. The name of an important Italian film "The Gospel According to St. Matthew" (Il Vangelo secondo Matteo) directed by Pasolini immediately comes to mind as it has been universally hailed as one of the best films about religion.As a film about religion,"Lourdes" does make a mark for itself as a different kind of religious film as it does not take the usual route of unnecessary commotion and hero worship.This has a lot to do with the fact that it appears more as a publicity film for religious pilgrimage.However,despite these good qualities Lourdes appears as a colossal failure as it fails to convey any kind of serious message about religion.Viewers do not know what the film wishes to convey as a large part of the film is devoted to show the pilgrimage site with occasional scenes of hilarity in which minor characters participate with all their might.A liberal viewer might take it casually but for serious people it could be a case of sacrilege.Much of the film features wooden acting by French actress Sylvie Testud.If past work is any indication of a director's talent then it can be said that Austrian director Jessica Hausner has made better films namely Lovely Rita and Hotel.With Lourdes,she has made a huge failure which is unable to stir viewers' emotions about the importance of religion in their lives.Lastly,the film's complete lack of seriousness is highlighted in scenes wherein some actors mock the very figures for which the pilgrimage is organized.