… THE ACHE AND ECSTASY OF LOVE…

The third part in the trilogy that began with L’Avventura (1960) is equally marked by existential angst, as Vittoria (Monica Vitti, who’s been a constant in all three films) ends her marriage, hangs with a friend who supports white minority rule in Africa, catches up with her mother who’s very busy at Rome’s stock exchange, and meets a potential new lover, Pietro (Alain Delon), who cares mostly about material things.

What is the meaning of life, seems to be a constantly relevant question throughout the film, which gets a boost from its atmosphere and the hauntingly poetic final sequence.

1962-Italy. 126 min. B/W. Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. Screenplay: Michelangelo Antonioni, Tonino Guerra, Elio Bartolini, Ottiero Ottieri. Cinematography: Gianni Di Venanzo. Cast: Alain Delon (Piero), Monica Vitti (Vittoria), Francisco Rabal (Riccardo), Louis Seigner, Lilla Brignone, Rossana Rory. 

Trivia: Alternative title: Eclipse.

Cannes: Jury Special Prize.