That Splendid November was playing at MoMA today and I decided to check it out on this cold and windy December afternoon. Of course, I'm familiar with Lollobrigida but not so with the rest of this cast. It's a mildly interesting story involving a somewhat odd and unusual extended family who have a tendency to marry within the family to keep their assets intact. This is never explicitly said but that's how I'm reading it. Young 17-year-old Nino (Turco) is supposed to go away to university in London (presumably to escape this unhealthy family cycle of inter-family marriage). However, he becomes obsessed with his Aunt Cettina (Lollobrigida). She's not intentionally enticing him with her behaviour but she is a highly sexual being and she seems unable relate to most men any other way. I won't reveal too much but Nino never goes away to London but stays in Sicily and marries who I think is a cousin/some distant relation and continues this family's unhealthy cycle. Lollobrigida's character is a bit over the top in her sexuality to the point of campy at times. Turco on the other hand is timid and reserved, which is a very nice counter-point and his character is well represented. Most of the other characters aren't very well developed and the viewer isn't able to develop a relationship or feeling for them. The cinematography is quite beautiful. For me the Morricone score is unusual for sure. Still, I think it works and is effective in conveying the dark, oppressive nature of this family and their actions/lifestyle. I know I only gave That Splendid November 6 stars but I still think there is enough positive to check it out.
Review of That Splendid November
