Movie spotlight
Good Morning, Michelangelo
The film challenges the aura of the artwork, pushing it towards performance in urban space. During the exhibition Con-temp-l’azione (1967–68), at the three galleries Stein, Sperone and Il punto, two works by Michelangelo Pistoletto are taken out into the street. The film marks the beginning of a more militant and performative phase in Pistoletto’s career, opening up possible references to Situationism, Fluxus and nouveau réalisme. The film starts with Pistoletto shaving in front of one of his ‘mirrors’: the codes of everyday life and advertising burst into the scene. The large ball of newspapers roams Turin in a convertible automobile. The music of The Beatles accompanies the exploration of different filming and editing techniques. Intense, amused and brilliant, Buongiorno Michelangelo suggests a performative, cooperative and perhaps also playful aspect of the attitude of this short and intense period. —Tate Modern
Insights
Plot Summary
A bizarre and surreal black-and-white film that follows the exploits of a young American man, Michelangelo, who is lost and disoriented in Rome. He encounters various eccentric characters and situations, reflecting a sense of alienation and the absurdity of modern life.
Critical Reception
Experimental and avant-garde, 'Good Morning, Michelangelo' received limited release and is primarily of interest to scholars of underground cinema and Paul Morrissey's work. It is often seen as a more accessible, though still peculiar, entry in his collaborations with Andy Warhol.
What Reviewers Say
A bewildering yet compelling exploration of existential angst.
Showcases Morrissey's distinctive, deadpan directorial style.
Praised for its unique visual aesthetic and philosophical undertones.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this obscure film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was shot entirely in Rome with a cast of mostly non-professional actors and members of the New York underground scene, including Warhol superstars Jackie Curtis and Mario Amaya.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources