Monica Vitti, currently living in Rome, was born exactly 89 years ago today. I recognize that “Monica who?” was immediately whispered worldwide after this post appeared. She “lives” today because of her five-year collaboration with Michelangelo Antonioni. I only became a fan after restored versions of L’Avventura, La Notte, L’Eclisse and Red Desert began appearing on DVD and then Bluray. We all come to things in our own way, and in our own time.
Incidentally: Should this African dance scene from L’Eclisse prompt present-day concern and perhaps even an official shunning? Should L’Eclisse be removed from public access a la Song of the South? Should Antonioni be posthumously cancelled? Should Vitti be disciplined? Wokesters are feverishly debating this as we speak.
