Malèna
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Malèna | |
|---|---|
 film poster |
|
| Directed by | Giuseppe Tornatore |
| Produced by | Harvey Weinstein |
| Written by | Giuseppe Tornatore, Luciano Vincenzoni |
| Starring | Monica Bellucci, Giuseppe Sulfaro |
| Distributed by | Miramax Films |
| Release date(s) | October 27, 2000 |
| Running time | 109 Min Italy 92 Min USA |
| Language | Italian |
| IMDb profile | |
Malèna is a 2000 Italian drama/romance film starring Monica Bellucci and Giuseppe Sulfaro. It was directed and written by Giuseppe Tornatore from a story by Luciano Vincenzoni.
Criticised for its depiction of teenage sexuality, as well as the paucity of dialogue, Malèna was successful in Europe, but the movie itself was altered by its North American distribution company Fine Line Features, and several scenes were cut. The film did poorly in few United States movie theatres in which it appeared despite good reviews.
The film nonetheless is credited with officially introducing Anglophone audiences to Italian actress Bellucci (whose career had previously been limited to European films), who went on to make a number of high-profile American film appearances.
As of 2005 only the edited version is available for commercial purchase on DVD in North America.
The score by Ennio Morricone was nominated for an Academy Award.
[edit] Main cast
- Monica Bellucci – Malena Scordia
- Giuseppe Sulfaro – Renato Amoroso
- Luciano Federico – Renato's Father
- Matilde Piana – Renato's Mother
[edit] Plot summary
Set in 1940 during World War II just as Italy enters the war, Malena's husband Nino leaves to serve in the war. Malena feels sadness for his decision and tries to deal with her loss just as the town she just moved to tries to deal with this beautiful woman who gets the attention and lustful stares of all the local men, including the 12-year-old Renato.
Malena, the silent, distractingly beautiful outsider, learns one day that her husband is killed at war and this news only deepens her grief. Renato continues to watch as she suffers through loneliness, grief, being shunned by the townspeople and the negative attention she gets from the jealous ladies of the Italian village.
Note:
- The United States version of the film was heavily cut due to the portrayal of the young boy fantasizing about performing sexual acts with Malena. One scene of the uncut version of the film sees the boy visiting a brothel and going to bed with a prostitute that he pretends is Malena.
[edit] External links
- Malèna at the Internet Movie Database
