Michelangelo Antonioni's films maintain a detached stillness that cineastes either find engrossing or dull. L'Eclisse (1962) is his third collaboration with Monica Vitti, offering few signposts for audiences in exploring existential dread.Vittoria (Monica Vitti) leaves her boyfriend Riccardo (Francisco Rabal), no longer happy with their relationship. Her shrewish mother (Lilla Bringone) and vapid friends offer little comfort. Then Vittoria meets Piero (Alain Delon), a charming young stockbroker. The two begin an affair, but Vittoria remains unsatisfied with herself.
L'Eclisse provides a depressing portrait of alienation. Antonioni's protagonists are unable to connect in ways obvious and ...