#350. L'Avventura (1960, Michelangelo Antonioni)

Have I Seen It Before?: No


Thoughts Before Viewing: This is one I've really wanted to see for a long time.  I absolutely love the two Antonioni films that I've seen (Blow Up (1966) and Zabriskie Point (1970) so I'm naturally curious to see more.  Those two films are in English so I'm curious as to what his Italian films will be like.

Running Time: 143 minutes
Directed By: Michelangelo Antonioni
Written By: Michelangelo Antonioni
Primary Cast: Gabrielle Ferzetti, Monica Vitti, Lea Massari



Summary: A woman disappears during a Mediterranean boating trip.  During the search, her lover and her best friend become attracted to each other.



My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this.  Truly one of the most beautiful and endlessly intriguing films I've seen.  Based on the (now) three Antonioni films I've seen, I can safely say that he's an absolute master at framing a shot.  His unique visual style is absolutely mesmerizing.  Every frame has such strong texture. 


I love how the film starts off as a "person gone missing" story but gradually evolves into something else entirely.  I can see how this would rub many people the wrong way but I absolutely love it.  It turns into more of a philosophical mood piece.  Having said that, my favorite moments were at the island where the girl goes missing.  The atmosphere is absolutely stunning throughout that entire sequence.  I feel like that island will be popping up in my dreams.  Very subtly surreal.


Antonioni films leave a very strong aftertaste and this is no exception.  An unforgettable film.



Does It Belong In The Book?: Yes.  An absolute game changer in filmmaking.  Way ahead of its time. 



My Rating: 10/10