Love,
L'Avventura is a film I appreciate in a way that is different from most films. It is like entering a different world, but one with characters and their concerns with which I can relate. I experience such entering mesmerically, in fact. It is a reflective film, a cinematic exercise, that I find induces a visceral experience of it.
I enjoy the first half's primary location on the island Liscia Branca, and the feeling of both isolation and proximity to the characters, and they to each other. The performances especially of Monica Vitti, but also Lea Masseri and the rest of the cast, are excellent. Ferzetti grew on me with subsequent viewings as the male lead.
It is not a film to watch for the story telling, although of course it follows a rather unique, one might even argue at the time experimental, unconventional arc. The initial focus on Anna and her concerns seem to be ignored when she early on exits the film. But perhaps on repeat viewings it is even more apparent how she remains a sort of silent Greek chorus to the ensuing goings on - wondering when, eventually if, she will return has that effect. From her father's appearance on Liscia Branca, to look for her, to the invisible hands of his influence spurring on the investigation of her disappearance, we experience the social, even political, effect of her choice. I should note subseqent viewings confirmed my assessment that the film in fact explains what she did in disappearing, and certainly why. But we are also left to ponder if she really knew or should have known what to expect would result from her choice, whether impulsive or otherwise. Did she really intend this result?
But of course the film is not primarily about Anna, and the ambiguity portrayed by Monica Vitt as Claudia in the lead role is, in my opinion, exquisite. Beyond being wholly plausible, we see her ambiguous view of the "proceedings" run the gamut, not just conventionally between attraction (perhaps I should say acceptance of advances, albeit eventually with desire taking hold) and repulsion, but also confusion, ennui, agitation, flight, and on and on.
Many see in L'Avventura the lassitude of the characters as an example of their inner existential alienation, and there is that. but there is also a subtle desperation. Filmgoers today may tend to be less sympathetic to that sort of theme. But it is still reflective of the modern human condition. I find it in the end quite simply a film I strongly relate to.
And I love Monica Vitti. Heh.
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LovetheBombFilms
11 years ago
Now that I've made that comment I've given the film a lot of thought and kind of see how it can be enjoyable. I appreciate your in-depth answer which further expands my understanding of that perspective. I intend to watch L'avventura again someday and hopefully be more interested in it.
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