Pesadilla

A faded opera diva living in Venice becomes increasingly tormented by disturbing visions and the feeling of being watched. As her grip on reality weakens, she grapples with her past, her sanity, and the unsettling events unfolding around her dilapidated palazzo. The film explores themes of aging, memory, and the psychological toll of isolation.

While not as widely acclaimed as some of Visconti's other works, 'Pesadilla' is recognized for its atmospheric tension and Alida Valli's compelling performance. Critics often highlight its descent into psychological horror and its unique, dreamlike quality. Audience reception has been more mixed, with some finding its slow pace and ambiguity challenging.

• Praised for its intense psychological atmosphere and Valli's tour-de-force performance.

• Lauded for its exploration of aging, memory, and mental deterioration.

• Some viewers found the film's deliberate pacing and surreal elements disorienting.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available often commend the film's artistic merit and Valli's acting, while some express difficulty with its unconventional narrative structure and unsettling tone.

The film's original title was 'Le streghe' (The Witches), but was changed due to copyright issues with a previous film.