Review of Senso (1954) by Richard S — 08 Jul 2008
Are you ever certain that youâ??ve seen a movie, but when you rewatch it, you find that only a few scenes stuck with you? That was my experience with â??Sensoâ??. Now Iâ??m not even sure if Iâ??d seen it before or if Iâ??d just seen bits and pieces in Scorseseâ??s documentary on Italian film.
No matter. Now Iâ??ve seen it in 35mm! Itâ??s a simple story- A discontent Italian countess falls for rakish Austrian solider- so simple that a co-worker didnâ??t understand why Iâ??d waste my time, but as always, the beauty is in the presentation.
Viscontiâ??s key obsessions are ever present, but theyâ??re arguably less refined in this, his first semi-operatic work. In some ways this is a positive. Itâ??s closer to standard melodrama- and therefore more entertaining than late work like â??Death in Veniceâ??- but at the same time, less poignant.
See this theatrically if you can because thereâ??s no sign of a rentable DVD in the states and I expect it wouldn't play nearly as well on a TV screen.
This review of Senso (1954) was written by Richard S on 08 Jul 2008.
Senso has generally received positive reviews.
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