Overview
Roberto Rossellini moved beyond neorealism to a more profound exploration of inner truths with this masterly study of a middle-aged, middle-class English couple on the brink of marital breakdown in Italy. Deftly playing upon the images of Ingrid Bergman (vulnerable,anxious) and George Sanders (bored, cynical), he paints a brilliant portrait of ennui and over-familiarity redeemed by need and love.
Ranked joint 72nd in the 2022 Sight and Sound Great Films of All Time poll.
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