Was this really considered to be the best film submitted at the Cannes Film Festival in 1960? If so, then that certainly was a dour year for cinema. "L'Avventura" is decent enough, but hardly worthy of such substantial praise. The characters depicted are largely hollow shells, meandering about. The director Antonioni romances the female lead - Monica Vitti - with his camera lens. He is visibly enamored with her, and rightly so - she is a vibrant screen presence. Unfortunately, her character submits to a scoundrel of a man and we are forced to observe the fallout. The film contains lovely Italian countryside scenery, and some interesting social commentary, but it all ends up seeming a bit antiquated and ponderous.
Written 7/14/09
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