Review of L'Avventura (1960) by Jj M — 31 Jul 2011
On second viewing, the title makes more sense. When the sleaze-bag Sandro is attempting to get Claudia to come around while she's on the bed, he says with a sigh that this will be another adventure.
'This' meaning their relationship together. It's telling on Antonioni's part that he intends for Anna's unsettling departure from the film within the first 40 mins to be 'The Adventure'.
But it is the way everyone, i.e. the deplorable upper classes, treats it. They move on to the next thing, be it a fling with a ponsy artist or to attend a luxuriant dinner party, with considerable ease.
The lack of humility in these characters are apparently the core of Antonioni's study (the moment when Sandro drops the ink on a young architect's drawing is a key point). Claudia is an exception up to a point.
Unwillingly, she becomes part of this adventure. Her shortcomings are the tragedy of this film. And this is one of the most important reflections on life ever commited to the film world. In my opinion, it's understated power has never been surpassed.
Remarkably romantic in the most un-romantic way.
This review of L'Avventura (1960) was written by Jj M on 31 Jul 2011.
L'Avventura has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
