Lina Wertmullers masterpiece Seven Beauties (1975) is amazing. “With this film, Lina Wertmüller became the first woman ever nominated for an Academy Award as Best Director.” The commandant’s wife played by Shirley Stohler is based on Ilse. Although Ilse was a bit chunky, she was never obese. Giancarlo Giannini’s depiction of the character, Pasqualino, is phenomenal. His performance is one of the best on film - ever. He is revolting, a coward, and yet by the end of the film we feel great empathy for him. The synthesis of emotions Wertmuller’s film evokes are wide ranging and in constant flux - disgust, laughter, confusion, sympathy, fear. It’s graphic and for that, as well as depictions of some of the survivors, it was criticized, but mostly very well received. The seduction scene between Stohler and Giannini is mind bending. The film stayed with me for the next days and nights. I’d go to sleep with thoughts of it and wake up with them. I’ve never forgotten how powerful it was. From that point on I never missed a film Giancarlo Giannini was in. He’s such a brilliant actor. I just found a dubbed version of “The Seven Beaties” on You Tube and will post it in case anyone’s interested. Here’s a trailer of the opening and then another to give you a taste of what’s in store. youtu.be/Mx2GoEV5yf0 youtu.be/NsZ5MsgdlSw
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 23:12:36 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015