Marcello Mastroianni
Just re-watched one of my all time favorite movies: A Special Day (Una Giornata Particolare). It was made in 1977 with Ettore Scola as director and Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni as its two principle actors. It is a beautiful, graceful film with Loren as an overly tired, repressed housewife and Mastroianni as her gay neighbor who is being exiled for his sexual orientation. They give probably the best performances they have ever given. Here is a short review/synopsis: This film literally took my breath away ! Both Mastroianni and Loren are fantastic actors, who can express a whole range of human feelings in just a look or a silence. This film is an unbelievable contrast : simplicity and sobriety in form but ultimate sophistication in content and in the actors' performance. I have never seen a film which raises so many questions at the same time : war, family, tolerance, women's condition, fanaticism, homosexuality, etc. Furthermore, it is a wonderful love story between two people who are actually too good for the world they live in. And last but not least, the contrast between the scruffy apartments and the beauty and elegance of Mastroianni and Loren is incredible. Mr. Scola achieved a masterpiece without make up, special effects or wonderful sceneries. When you have seen the film, you will understand that the special day was not for Mussolini and Hitler, who all the sudden seem very unimportant compared to what happened to the two characters. The day I have seen this film was definitely a special day for me as well, unforgettable ! It is just the most human film I have ever seen, a wonder of refinement.
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