Lorenzo Crespi Movies
- 1997
Based on an acclaimed, popular historical novel by Dacia Maraini, this 18th-century set costumer follows the adventures of a deaf-mute noblewoman who strives to escape her dark past and the social conventions that force her to remain married to a man she detests. The story begins when the already speechless title duchess is 12 years old. In hopes of shocking her back into speaking, her grandfather takes her to a hanging. The causes of Marianna's affliction are revealed slowly as the story progresses, but the whole truth is not revealed until the end. Though she is much loved by her family, they still force her to marry her ancient uncle when she is only 13. Her wedding night is horrific as is the birth of her first daughter. Her husband is desperate for an heir so she is forced to endure his unwanted attentions until she is finally able to bear him a son. Despite her oppressive life, Marianna is able to find freedom in subtle ways. She also has time to save a peasant girl from a terrible situation. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Emmanuelle Laborit, Roberto Herlitzka, (more)
- 1996
Ulisse is a conductor on board a train running from Sicily to Milan and back during the 1960s. Every day, as the engines clatter over the rails he observes a wide variety of human dramas unfold. This sentimental and ultimately bitter Italian drama chronicles several such mini-dramas using them to comment upon the sad state of modern Italy. In one episode, a Sicilian woman who is moving northward with her family must choose between two disparate suitors. In another, a businessman attempts to conceal the presence of his mistress from his son. In another, a heart-broken nurse finds brief, passionate solace in the arms of a novelist. Meanwhile Ulisse looks out the window and in one scene sees a train heading back for Sicily. On board are many of the passengers he now attends, but they have all aged 20 years. None have fared well, including Ulisse, and this is meant to mirror Italy's own decline. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
A funky, more than slightly askew love affair between a hooker and a homosexual provides the core of this erotic Italian romantic comedy. Angela is the hooker who, along with a few cronies, provides customers with outdoor love. Adamo, is a platinum blonde Adonis who has just dumped his latest lover. Adamo has returned to his hometown to attend his mother's funeral. Deciding to stay for a while, he gets a menial job dumping rotten bananas. He is driving his truck one day when he sees Angela doing her job in some roadside business. He feels an instant rapport with her and soon regularly attends her al fresco trysts as a surreptitious spectator. Angela is happy to know that Adamo watches and goes about servicing her johns with extra vigor. Though the two never become physically involved, a genuine love develops between them. For Angela, who is surrounded by emotionally damaged people, Adamo represents a new-found hope that she will someday find true happiness. But it all changes when Adamo accidentally kills someone and gets arrested. Though she could save him, Angela stays away. Still she is grateful for their brief time together and her new vision of the great possibilities around her create far-reaching, positive effects for her and the other girls. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vincenzo Peluso, Iaia Forte, (more)
