Movie spotlight
Le mogli e le arance
Le mogli e le arance is characterized by a wonderful sereneness. It is the kind of quietude which many of us connect immediately with the south. Everything seems to be in its perfect place, and time is just passing. In the setting of a sanatorium a nobleman is practicing idleness and slow-motion mind games. Does it sound boring? Yes, it does. But it is not, the uneventfulness is definitively enthralling. The film director tries to narrate time, time itself, as such, for its own sake: a rare experiment.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the story of a young woman named Clara who is in love with an artist, but her family forces her into an arranged marriage with a wealthy older man. She struggles between her true desires and societal obligations, leading to a dramatic and emotionally charged narrative.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1917, specific critical reception is difficult to ascertain with modern standards. However, Italian cinema of this era was noted for its melodramatic storytelling and impressive visual presentation for its time. Films like 'Le mogli e le arance' would have been appreciated for their emotional depth and cinematic craft.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its emotional melodrama and the performances of its lead actors.
Appreciated for its artistic direction and cinematography within the silent film era.
A notable example of Italian romantic drama from the early 20th century.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not available due to its age and limited distribution in the digital era.
Fun Fact
Mario Caserini was one of the most prolific and influential directors of Italian silent cinema, directing over 100 films during his career.
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