Italian Ladies continue at the Cinematheque

Cinematheque Ontario presents Italian Women

The series of Italian films continues at the Cinematheque Ontario.  Entitled SIGNORE AND SIGNORE: LEADING LADIES OF THE ITALIAN CINEMA, the series focuses on leading Italian actresses or stars of the old classics.  Sophia Loren’s Oscar winning performance in Se Sica’s TWO WOMEN is something that should not be missed. 

The films will run for the next couple of weeks. Capsule reviewed films include
Valerio Zurlini’s Girl with a suitcase, Fellini’s La Strada and Juliet of the spirits, Vittorio De Sica’s Two Women, Pasolini’s Teorema and Luigi Comencini’s Bread, love and dreams.

Reviewed films will appear on the site the week (or earlier) as they are screened at the Cinematheque.  For complete list of films in this program, showtimes, ticket pricing and venue, please click on the Cinematheque Ontario website at:

http://www.cinemathequeontario.ca

Capsule Reviews:-

BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS (Italy 1953) ****
Directed by Luigi Comencini
Leading Lady: Gina Lollobrigida

BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS is an extremely entertaining and watchable very Italian comedy, the title of which refers to the three most important elements in the lives of the peasants of a typical Italian village.  The protagonist here is a newly arrived middle-aged police head (Vittorio De Sica), assigned to the town.  He encounters and falls for the local beauty, appropriately nicknamed Frisky (Gina Lollobrigida in her sexiest role).  Lollobrigida is a delight to watch – from her riding on her mule to her angry chanting in a prison cell.  Comemcicni’s film is high comedy and a laugh from start to finish, made even funnier because his film depicts and makes fun of the Italian peasant stereotype while still paying respect to them as decent human beings.  Love and comedy are in the air.  The film deservedly won the Silver Bear award at Berlin Film Festival of that year.  Never mind the dubbed version of the film.
(Screening at the Cinematheque Ontario on Friday, Aug 21st at 7 pm)

THE GIRL WITH A SUITCASE (France/Italy 1960) ***
Directed by Valerio Zurlini
Leading Lady:Claudia Cardinale

THE GIRL WITH A SUITCASE, Aida (Claudia Cardinale) seduced and abandoned, is taken up for probable reason of pity or fascination by the playboy’s 16-year old younger brother Lorenzo (Jacques Previn).  Director Zurlini’s moody story takes the two around the Italian resort town of Rimini as the young Lorenzo slowly but surely falls for the zesty but caring Aida.  Lorenzo’s wealthy family disapproves as the story shifts to one of forbidden love.  Interesting to a point and the film’s occasional slow pacing is forgivable for the unbridled emotions revealed during these segments.
(Screening at the Cinematheque Ontario on Sunday, July 18th at 7 pm)

LA STRADA (THE ROAD) (Italy 1954) ****
Directed by Federico Fellini
Leading Lady: Guilletta Masina (Mrs. Fellini)

Made in 1954 but released two years later in North America to eventually win the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, LA STRADA or THE ROAD is one of Fellini’s films with the strongest narrative.  The story follows the adventures of a not-too-bright but faithful wife (Mrs. Fellini, Guilletta Masina) as she tags along her variety show performer, Zampano (Anthony Quinn in a completely different role) husband.  Zampano claims her as his wife though they never go any formal ceremony.  Masina’s simple performance is just super as she makes the movie.  Masina demonstrates strength amidst vulnerability in a quiet yet sad demonstration of loyalty and duty.  Still, Fellini’s trademark is all present – made even more prominent since the film includes actors from a real circus.
(Screening at the Cinematheque Ontario on Friday, July 17th at 9 pm)