Postmodern Love and L'Avventura

At its 1960 premiere, Michelangelo Antonioni's L'Avventura outraged the audience with its disregard for established film language and dissociated approach to romance. In making a film of this type, Antonioni embraced postmodernism, a defining philosophical movement of the 20th century and beyond. In this essay, I explain postmodernism's origins and how the outlook relates to one of cinema's crown jewels.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

I watched this magnificent masterpiece in October and it changed me, by every right I should've hated this film, it's very slow, quiet and mysterious but it's those very reasons for why I'm so fascinated by it, this film is everything Breathless (1960) should've been, the characters seem shallow but they're deeply nuanced and captivating, the perfect way to describe this film is watching the sunrise, it's quiet, still but beautiful and alluring the film fills you with such a considerable amount of despair yet it's an oddly inviting coldness, this film has so many layers it would be impossible to describe every reason I adore this cinematic treasure, in fact the notion of reviewing this is intimidating because it's so golden and so perfect I couldn't possibly summate just how purely elegant, poignant and evocative this film is

[@niceprincesslucky]

Wow this has been the best film analysis I’ve watch, not only about Antonioni’s films but in general. Thank you so much! It was hugely clarifying

[@themovementimage]

Aw I really appreciate your kind words! So glad you enjoyed the video

[@domenicozauber206]

10:41 - I think that this sequence is inspired by De Chirico, it is the same type of aesthetic (the typical painter's empty square) and refers precisely to the concept of emptiness, classic in De Chirico, which in this film becomes existential and sentimental emptiness.

[@yung_marion_brown]

Thank you, this is a truly clear analysis. I've been watching a lot of his films recently and this has helped me unlock a way of structuring analysis of them that has been evading me. I think one of the biggest mistakes made by critics of this kind of film is accusing the director of just trying to make the characters and settings look "cool" - "cool" meaning essentially well dressed, beautiful and difficult to read. In fact, just like real live "cool people", the difficulty to read them is often a reflection of their own confusion (or lack of ideaology), and the power they have (whether cultural or financial) only magnifies this confusion, because their power functions in very clear ways, regardless of whether they (or we) have an idealogical lens through which to view it. Directors like Antonioni use this bourgeoisie as subjects because they are the best way of showing the contradictions of modern western culture imo.

[@themovementimage]

Thank you for this, I completely agree with your analysis. It’s interesting, I was reading an interview from some rich person recently (can’t remember who) and they said they only realized how bored they were once they became rich. Once they stopped having to worry about having their needs met, they could see how empty their life is. I think that’s exactly what these characters are experiencing. They have everything, but they’re miserable for it. They have no goals or motivations in life outside of animal desires. It’s a very acute summary of the postmodern problem.

[@ItsTorben]

Just recently found your Channel because of your video about A Turin Horse which I really liked. Glad to see you uploaded something new. This film is still on my watchlist. Hope to see more from you!

[@themovementimage]

Thanks so much! Slowly but surely I churn out content. Appreciate your support and the kind words

[@mlunaID]

This was beautiful and thoughtfully produced. Thank you.

[@themovementimage]

Thank you!

[@AbrasiousProductions]

I didn't know antonioni ran out crying from the outrage his film caused, that's terrible... all artists are indeed forsaken in their time, I wish i could speak directly to Michelangelo Antonioni and tell him just how much I loved his work of art

[@niceprincesslucky]

All geniuses are misunderstood

[@AbrasiousProductions]

@Bianka Martinez so true😢💕

[@trtrsqr4666]

Really good insights, thank you!

[@themovementimage]

Thanks! Appreciate the kind words

[@poetcomic1]

Yes I know... but Antonioni will NEVER make me believe that someone who looks like Monica Vitti and lives in Italy in the early 60's could not SOMEHOW find a little joy in life.

[@themovementimage]

Hahaha this actually made me laugh. A very good point.

[@poetcomic1]

@@themovementimage Its like Pauline Kael's take on the party at the end of La Dolce Vita. "Has this man ever had fun at a party???"