Film Forum

Italy, 1957
Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni
Starring Steve Cochran, Alida Valli, Betsy Blair, Dorian Gray
Cinematography by Gianni Di Venanzo
Music by Giovanni Fusco
Approx 116 min. DCP.

Deserted by the mother of his child, Aldo, a factory worker (played by Hollywood tough guy Steve Cochran) wanders through the Po Valley in search of solace and connection. His romantic prospects—including a gas-station owner (Dorian Gray), a sex worker (Lyn Shaw), and an old girlfriend (Betsy Blair, Oscar® nominee for the prior year’s MARTY and Mrs. Gene Kelly)—fizzle out into alienation and despair.

Restored by The Film Foundation and Cineteca di Bologna at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory, in association with Compass Film. Funded by Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.

A JANUS FILMS RELEASE

Reviews

"An arresting slice of life at the lower depths.”
– The New York Times

“A turning point for Antonioni.”
– Seymour Chatman

“Exceptional… A controlled study of uncontrolled despair.”
– Sight and Sound

“Antonioni was looking directly at the mysteries of the soul.”
– Martin Scorsese