Identification of a Woman

Previously unreleased in this country (theatrically or otherwise), Michelangelo Antonioni's 1982 feature is finally making its U.S. bow--on video. Despite the considerable international reputation gained from his two existentialist classics, Blow-Up and The Passenger, the director has failed to deliver on his early promise. In this story of a filmmaker in search of a viable project (and a leading lady), Antonioni revisits his old themes of ennui, isolation, and aimlessness--but without much of the inventive visual pizzazz or interestingly enigmatic characters (or dilemmas) of his best previous outings. The main character is rather obtuse, and his frankly carnal relationship with two women is less revealing than merely functional. Collections catering to really devoted and knowledgeable foreign film buffs may need to include this curiosity piece, but most libraries can afford to pass. (T. Rich)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—Oct. 25, 2011—Criterion, 130 min., in Italian w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and first appearance on Blu-ray, 1982's Identification of a Woman sports a great transfer and mono sound. Extras include a trailer, and a booklet featuring an essay by critic John Powers and a 1982 interview with director Michelangelo Antonioni by critic Gideon Bachmann. Bottom line: completists will want to add this disappointing late film by Antonioni.]