We are in the midst of the great post-war boom, the period the French call "les trentes glorieuses". during which the major Western European economies grew rich on post-war reconstruction and the arrival of new technologies, with jobs for all, however dismal. Anyone who remembers this period with nostalgia should sit down with this film to be reminded of how solidly the elements of early the 21st century alientation were already in place.
Pasolini, Rossellini and Antonioni in Italy. Godard and Rivette in France, as well as others, were saying much the same thing, but Olmi's genius is to wrap the message in some of the finest. most touching, understated comedy ever seen -- recalling the Renoir of "La Règle du jeu", but adding a more explicilty Marxist perspective, looking sympathetically at his wonderful characters (both the two principals are terrifically affecting. but so is each and every passing figure -- the most minor among them could be the subject of an entire film) while savaging the expanding world of the petite bourgeoisie.
Seen in 2019 (thank you, Film Forum!), this masterpiece seems stunningly prophetic, showing us how 1961 contained all the seeds of today's terrifying alienation. And yet, despite his clear message, Olmi makes us smile with warmth and sympathy. What a marvel.
Pasolini, Rossellini and Antonioni in Italy. Godard and Rivette in France, as well as others, were saying much the same thing, but Olmi's genius is to wrap the message in some of the finest. most touching, understated comedy ever seen -- recalling the Renoir of "La Règle du jeu", but adding a more explicilty Marxist perspective, looking sympathetically at his wonderful characters (both the two principals are terrifically affecting. but so is each and every passing figure -- the most minor among them could be the subject of an entire film) while savaging the expanding world of the petite bourgeoisie.
Seen in 2019 (thank you, Film Forum!), this masterpiece seems stunningly prophetic, showing us how 1961 contained all the seeds of today's terrifying alienation. And yet, despite his clear message, Olmi makes us smile with warmth and sympathy. What a marvel.