Film Forum

(1962) “Michelangelo Antonioni’s ennui-soaked 1962 satire of modern life announces its intentions over the opening credits, as a perky Italian pop song is muscled aside to make way for a series of doom-laden orchestral crashes. ‘Abandon pleasure’, seems to be the message. Don’t expect to leave this particular trip to the movies thinking that western life is anything but a hollow charade. L’Eclisse is the poetic story of a beautiful but bored young woman (Monica Vitti) who deserts her dull lover and embarks upon a tentative affair with dashing but sociopathically materialistic stockbroker Alain Delon. Their courtship offers moments of happiness – they take great joy in mocking other, less self-aware couples – but as Vitti gazes wistfully into the uncertain future and Delon lusts after money and possessions, you just know it’s not going to work out.” – Time Out. 35mm. Approx. 126 min.

Part of Michelangelo Antonioni’s Alienation Trilogy.

Links