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The Man Who Left the Room
A journalist trades himself for a dead stranger, and the camera — slowly, over seven minutes — decides it is more interested in the empty square than in either of them A Dossier on The Passenger (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1975) A man is stuck in the desert. His Land Rover won’t move. The sand won’t talk…
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Viaggio in Italia (1954): What Naples Does to a Woman
Rossellini’s film, Viaggio in Italia, explores a troubled marriage through the lens of ancient landscapes in Naples, focusing on Katherine’s profound emotional journey compared to Alex’s superficial existence. As they confront personal crises amidst historical remnants, only Katherine undergoes true transformation, culminating in a moment of renewed connection that remains unreciprocated for Alex.
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L’Eclisse (1962): The World After the Lovers Leave
L’Eclisse, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, explores themes of alienation through a prolonged seven-minute sequence symbolizing modern love’s absence. The film portrays the failed connection between Vittoria and Piero, revealing that their relationship lacks depth. As the world continues unaffected, the film critiques romantic notions against a backdrop of economic transactions. Antonioni’s vision ultimately leaves viewers…
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La Notte (1961): The Letter That Proves Too Much
La Notte, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, explores Giovanni’s emotional detachment and masculine egotism through his neglect of his wife Lidia, who carries a forgotten love letter. The film portrays the cost of this asymmetry, culminating in Lidia’s silent suffering and affirmation of her lost connection with Giovanni as he silences her realization.
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L’Avventura (1960): Everything That Opens When a Woman Disappears
L’Avventura, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, explores themes of modern alienation through the story of Claudia and Sandro following the mysterious disappearance of Anna. Initially met with mixed reactions, it challenges narrative conventions by emphasizing emotional duration and consciousness. Claudia’s internal struggle highlights the sacrifices women face in relationships, making the film both radical and complex.