Movie spotlight

Vite

Name: Vite
Released: 1969-12-31
Duration: 33 min

1969

Movie

33 min

French

In 1969, the painter-sculptor Daniel Pommereulle made his third film, this one financed by Sylvina Boissonnas. Although only a short, Vite was one of the most costly of all the Zanzibar productions. It features, for instance, shots of the moon taken by a state-of-the-art telescope, the Questar, that Pommereulle first saw while visiting Marlon Brando in southern California in 1968. In Rohmer’s La Collectionneuse, Pommereulle and his friend Adrien philosophize on how best to achieve le vide (emptiness) during their summer holidays. Three years later, Pommereulle would transform the word “vide” to “vite” (quickly), signifying his profound disenchantment with the aftermath of the revolution of May ’68. —Harvard Film Archive

Jump to Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.7/10

Director: Mauro Bolognini•Genres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the life of a young, impoverished Neapolitan man as he navigates the harsh realities of post-war Italy. Struggling with poverty and societal expectations, he seeks a better life, often through morally ambiguous means. His journey is marked by difficult relationships, particularly with women, and a constant battle against his circumstances.

Critical Reception

Vite, also known as "Le Mura di Malapaga" or "The Walls of Malapaga" (though this title is more commonly associated with a 1949 film), received mixed to positive reviews, particularly praising its gritty realism and Bolognini's direction. Some critics found the narrative somewhat melodramatic, but the performances, especially from the lead, were often highlighted.

What Reviewers Say

Praised for its authentic portrayal of post-war Italian poverty and social struggles.
Massimo Ranieri's performance as the conflicted protagonist was a standout.
Some found the melodrama occasionally overpowering the social commentary.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this lesser-known film, but when available, they often commend the film's realistic depiction of hardship and the compelling central performance.