MovieChat Forums > Zabriskie Point (1970) Discussion > Not as good as other Antonioni films

Not as good as other Antonioni films

posted 17 years ago by floydianer
2 replies | jump to latest

Anybody else feel that way? I love his Italian films (L'Eclisse was brillant), I loved Blowup but somehow this film seems a little off. I appreciate its artistic qualities (the composition of shots, cinematography) but neither the acting nor the themes come anywhere close to his earlier work. The ending is effective, the soundtrack is great. But generally it also seems like the film is dated in a way L'Eclisse will never be. It's not timeless like many of his earlier films were. And the direction of the actors? Compare these to the acting of Vitti and Delon in L'Eclisse - there are miles between them.

[–] vincenzowarner 17 years ago

While I Agree the eclipse is sublime and Antonionis other works are all master strokes I have to say that i rate Zabriskie Point fairly highly. Sure it's dated, and sure the are flaws to it but overall the underlying themes of a revolutionary counter-culture being nothing but wishful thinking seems to strike a deep chord within me. The acting is terrible for sure, but i feel that is something to do with young actors trying to cope with Antonioni's other worldly dialogue - its definately cringe worthy at times - and i have to say I think the movie could have benefited from some different casting, but even with the god awful performances its still a movie that lingers and provokes the mind - just like his other works Laventurra, La notte, Leclisse, Red Dessert, Blow Up and The passenger.

[–] lancekoz 17 years ago

I am about to see this film for the first time tonight, and I look forward to something unconventional. But I can't help but be surprised by the above comment that this film is "a little off" when compared to "Blowup". Blowup is SO far off... I can't imagine anything being farther off and still being a movie. I will try to find L'Eclisse