In 1954 Valerio Zurlini directed 'Le ragazze di San Frediano' based upon a novel by Vasco Pratolini whilst Marcello Mastroianni appeared in Pratolini's 'Cronache di poveri amanti' for Carlo Lizzani. Eight years on Zurlini directs Mastroianni in this adaptation of a semi-autobiographical novel by the same author.
In the interim both director and actor have progressed immeasurably. Zurlini has become one of cinema's great visual stylists and Mastroianni is in the midst of what is arguably the most satisfying phase of his career. Playing his ill-fated younger brother is the talented Jacques Perrin who enjoyed a fruitful working relationship with this director and who later pursued a parallel career as a producer.
Set against the backdrop of an exhausted and defeated Italy this is an elegiac and unbearably sad tale of loneliness, regret, disillusion and emotional guilt with an incurable disease thrown in for good measure.
As expected the script is literate whilst the muted palette of master cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno is inspired by one of Zurlini's favourite painters, Georgio Morandi. The only weakness in the film, for this viewer at any rate, lies in the frequent bursts of Goffredo Patrassi's score which do nothing to advance the narrative and which, on top of such intense performances, are unnecessary.
Special mention must be made of veteran Sylvie who is simply outstanding in the role of Grandmother. This splendid artiste made her debut in 1912 and at the age of eighty three played her only leading role as 'La Vieille Dame Indigne'.
Lovingly directed, beautifully shot and performed with the utmost conviction, this haunting work is recommended neither for the faint hearted nor for those with a short attention span. I would advise potential viewers to avoid at all costs MGM's shamelessly 'doctored' version.
In the interim both director and actor have progressed immeasurably. Zurlini has become one of cinema's great visual stylists and Mastroianni is in the midst of what is arguably the most satisfying phase of his career. Playing his ill-fated younger brother is the talented Jacques Perrin who enjoyed a fruitful working relationship with this director and who later pursued a parallel career as a producer.
Set against the backdrop of an exhausted and defeated Italy this is an elegiac and unbearably sad tale of loneliness, regret, disillusion and emotional guilt with an incurable disease thrown in for good measure.
As expected the script is literate whilst the muted palette of master cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno is inspired by one of Zurlini's favourite painters, Georgio Morandi. The only weakness in the film, for this viewer at any rate, lies in the frequent bursts of Goffredo Patrassi's score which do nothing to advance the narrative and which, on top of such intense performances, are unnecessary.
Special mention must be made of veteran Sylvie who is simply outstanding in the role of Grandmother. This splendid artiste made her debut in 1912 and at the age of eighty three played her only leading role as 'La Vieille Dame Indigne'.
Lovingly directed, beautifully shot and performed with the utmost conviction, this haunting work is recommended neither for the faint hearted nor for those with a short attention span. I would advise potential viewers to avoid at all costs MGM's shamelessly 'doctored' version.