Review of L'Eclisse (1962) by Stephen M — 15 Mar 2009
More cinematic symbolism from Antonioni, riddled with gorgeous cinematography and hidden meanings. While I did not find this film as enjoyable or engaging as its counterpart (L'Avventura), it is equally executed, performed, and mysterious.
Seemingly his muse, Monica Vitti returns to the forefront as our damaged guide through this whirlwind of sights and sounds. Her performance here is good as ever and one of the most interesting things this film has going for it. It's no wonder why Anotonioni was so taken with her, she's fantastic to watch.
What impressed me most with this film were it's sequences. The opening and closing are sheer brilliance, packed chock-full precise action and strictly detailed shots that are at once suprising and unnerving. The stock market sequences also stand out, due to their chaos and magnitude. One can't help but get worked up while watching them.
However, in between these moments are ones that lag, or appear to be lost inside themselves which ultimately left me feeling like a foreigner to the film. Perhaps this was the intention, but it does take away from what should be satisfying.
This review of L'Eclisse (1962) was written by Stephen M on 15 Mar 2009.
L'Eclisse has generally received very positive reviews.
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