This inaccessible object of desire “A man can kill himself both because he loves a woman and because he does not love her. But the reason is always love. This phrase at the end of the film says the main character, as if summing up the whole story.
Damiano Damiani filmed the novel of the same name by Alberto Moravia. Before us is Dino, a young man from a wealthy family. In search of himself, he goes into the unknown from the family nest, tries to become an artist, but, apparently, he lacks talent. And most importantly, Dino has nothing to say! But one day, a young model Cecilia is on his way. She had previously posed for his artist neighbour. Dino and Cecilia soon become lovers. But if for an artist their relationship is serious, for a girl it is another sunny day.
Passion begins to burn Dino from the inside out. He becomes jealous, irritable, suspicious. The love that should inspire brings suffering. Dino wants to leave Cecilia, but it's beyond his power! And the knot of contradictions is tightening every day.
In the film, Catherine Spaak shines. She is great to play the role of a desirable and inaccessible muse, able to spin the head of any man. Good and Horst Buchholz. But Bette Davis looks like a guest star.
I can’t say that history holds attention from beginning to end. At some point, the plot begins to spiral, but the same feeling arises from the original source - a novel by Alberto Moravia. But the throwing of a young man who grows up through the first great love is conveyed magnificently!
8 out of 10