Io La Conoscevo Bene (1965)

This isn't a film; this is a collection of some 20 (apparently 19) scenes in which Adriana has an adventure with a man each time, whether it's a conversation with a failed boxer or a one-night stand. I don't even know if it's all chronological or how long the total time span is. As a result, the film remains somewhat distant at times and, partly because of this, fails to always hold the viewer's attention (not every scene is equally strong or engaging either), although the ending does pack a punch.

But above all, the camerawork, with lots of movement and zoom and beautiful black and white, is amazing. The film is truly a joy to watch, with a wonderful soundtrack as well. 4.0*.

Translated from Dutch · View original

Perhaps a bit too fragmented to make a major impact in terms of content, but Io la conoscevo bene shines in the individual moments. Beautiful scenes appear, especially in the last half hour, although the meeting with the boxer and the walk past the Florence Cathedral earlier on were already delightful. Still, halfway through, I caught myself longing for the end a little. This is typically a film that could have been much stronger with a shorter running time. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile, and the ending is, as already mentioned here, strong.

Translated from Dutch · View original

For the first fifteen minutes, I thought I was watching a trashy movie, but that was a mistake. It is a story that forms something of the female counterpart to La Doce Vita. We see Italian society in full swing in the 1960s, in which Stefania Sandrelli finds her way as an aspiring model/actress.
The story is beautifully filmed—with several striking shots—and portrays the mania of the film world behind the scenes, something that contemporary Fellini also enjoyed doing.

The soundtrack is great, featuring a series of Italian classics from that era. It never had a vinyl release because the rights were too expensive.

The ending of the film is unexpected, pitch-black and shocking. The disillusionment with a new and promising era (for the main character) is all the greater.

Translated from Dutch · View original