What?

A young, beautiful American woman (Sydne Rome) arrives in Italy to pursue a wealthy Arab she met on a vacation. She finds herself drawn into a bizarre and surreal world of espionage, seduction, and increasingly strange events. As she navigates the confusing circumstances, she becomes entangled with a mysterious contract killer and the enigmatic Arab himself. The film blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, leaving the audience questioning what is truly happening.

Roman Polanski's 'What?' is a peculiar and often bewildering film that polarized critics upon its release. While some appreciated its experimental nature and surrealist elements, many found it confusing and lacking narrative coherence. Audience reception was similarly mixed, with some viewers intrigued by its avant-garde approach and others put off by its abstract storytelling. It remains a divisive entry in Polanski's filmography.

• Praised for its surreal atmosphere and stylistic ambition.
• Criticized for its confusing plot and lack of clear direction.
• The performances, particularly Mastroianni's, are noted as a highlight amidst the chaos.

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The film was originally conceived as a more straightforward thriller, but Roman Polanski continually altered the script during production, leading to its famously abstract and disjointed nature.