A Venetian noblewoman (Alida Valli) falls big time for an occupying Austrian officer (Farley Granger) in 1866 Italy. The Italians want the Austrians out so they can claim independence and Contessa Supieri passions are with the cause and her cousin when she meets the lothario officer and finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. Quite the seducer, he displays some earnest affection for her, but his real passion is for her money to live a lushly depraved existence with other women as well. Eventually fed up with his lies and betrayal her "woman scorned" act kicks in.
Senso opens at La Fenice Opera House in Venice and for the duration of the film remains in operatic mode with its characters and pace. Directed by Luchino Visconti Senso is filled with visually stunning moments (opera house, battle scenes, Venice itself) and elaborate costume it moves at a snails pace with the countess in deep denial, the smarmy officer barely hiding his contempt while exploiting her.
Valli (The Third Man) once again falls for the bad boy with an intense passion and a willingness to degrade herself for him. Granger is miscast with a face too pretty and youthful for such a cynical character.
Senso is a visual feast, but without operatic accompaniment, a touch too tone deaf for cinematic pacing.
Senso opens at La Fenice Opera House in Venice and for the duration of the film remains in operatic mode with its characters and pace. Directed by Luchino Visconti Senso is filled with visually stunning moments (opera house, battle scenes, Venice itself) and elaborate costume it moves at a snails pace with the countess in deep denial, the smarmy officer barely hiding his contempt while exploiting her.
Valli (The Third Man) once again falls for the bad boy with an intense passion and a willingness to degrade herself for him. Granger is miscast with a face too pretty and youthful for such a cynical character.
Senso is a visual feast, but without operatic accompaniment, a touch too tone deaf for cinematic pacing.