tragedy tears at the friendships of a group of elegant women in post-WWII Italy. This early Antonioni film is very different from his more visual, fame-delivering classics yet it has--- for the observant viewer--- trademark care in the framing of each shot.
It also explores, with his characteristic sharp and remorseless scalpel, the soulless, vacant lives which can result from a self-centered, materialistic society.
But I don't mean to give the impression one need put on one's philosophical or sociological spectacles to enjoy this film: quite the contrary! This very deep exploration of female thought, activity, and motivation never has been surpassed, not even by the super-feminine sensitive Ingmar Bergman.
Of course, the cinematography is brilliant but what remains is the incredible talent and expressiveness of the female ensemble--- and the restrained perfection of the male actors. Here is acting that is modern in the very best sense: emotive but not exaggerated.
I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention the extraordinary physical beauty of the female cast, especially the lead actress, Eleanora Rossi Drago. She is as radiant as Ingrid Bergman, whom she resembles.
Yes, this is early Antonioni but already his Promethean talents are fully formed, perfectly expressed.
This is as great an overlooked masterwork as exists in film.
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Topic - Antonioni fans? Immediately see, "Le Amiche." A narrowly averted - tinear 08:52:31 02/10/09 (3)
- RE: Antonioni fans? Immediately see, "Le Amiche." A narrowly averted - mishmashmusic 07:52:30 02/12/09 (0)
- Nice posting! One I've yet to see; always a fan of Antonioni - grinagog 19:01:43 02/11/09 (1)
- It is the equal of, "Il Grido," by which I mean the highest praise. nt - tinear 07:41:06 02/12/09 (0)