First-time filmmaker Valerio Ruiz pays life-achievement tribute to Italian cinema icon Lina Wertmüller, accorded respect by critic John Simon (a key tastemaker in the U.S. for popularizing Wertmüller's work in the mid-1970s) as the 20th century's most outstanding woman director besides Leni Riefenstahl. The aged, outspoken Wertmüller—seen here still working steadily on scripts and proposals—says she started out as a substandard assistant director to Fellini, and was fortunately likeable enough to break through to directing on her own. Her portrayals of class struggle, southern-Italian ways, and battles-of-the-sexes (often combined) informed a slew of ‘70s hits, including The Seduction of Mimi, Swept Away, Love and Anarchy, and Seven Beauties. The 1978 misfire End of the World (in Our Usual Bed, in a Night Full of Rain)—working for Hollywood in English—ended the infatuation of American distributors. Casual cineastes may not know that Wertmüller has long work associations with Sophia Loren, and enjoys a sideline as a singer-songwriter. Even with interview clips featuring Loren, Harvey Keitel, and Rutger Hauer, the more recent material may be a bit esoteric for those without a background in Italian arts and pop-culture, but this affectionate homage reacquaints viewers with a living legend who is still active, although out of the Yankee limelight for decades. Extras include behind-the-scenes footage. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)
Behind the White Glasses
(2017) 107 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.95. Kino Lorber (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 1
Behind the White Glasses
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