Malèna (2000) is a film about how some beautiful woman named Malèna is treated in the town she lives in and is directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The setting of the movie is Sicily Italy during World War 2. Main character Malèna is acted by Monica Bellucci. The film displays the notion that people tend to judge others based purely on their look and the consequences of gossip on an individual’s life.
The Story
The movie is narrated through the eyes of a 13-year boy named Renato (Giuseppe Sulfaro). Renato lives in a small town with Malèna, the most beautiful woman in town, who walks around the streets almost every day. Malèna’s husband is sitting for the war and the men from the town admire her, while the women talk behind her back. Just like every other man, Renato is mesmerized by her and eventually starts stalking her. He starts day dreaming about her life.
As time goes on, Malène has to grapple with many problems that life throws her way. She faces unjust accusations of infidelity, receives scarlet letters, and is forced to forgo everything. Life progressively becomes unbearable. In the end, she has to make spine chilling decisions just to be able to survive. While infuriated, the women of the town target women like her out of sheer wickedness when the war draws to a close.
Later on, after everything, her husband comes back for her, which allows her to finally escape the town. While she moves away, Renato, now an adult, is left with the bitter, yet vital truth that Malene isn’t a figment of his imagination. She is not as enchanting as he thought, but dull because of how she is treated. It was indifference that stripped off the colors out of her world. Along with reality comes a dose of much needed kindness.
What the Movie Teaches Us
Malena doesn’t only touch the topic of coveted beauty, but also treats the crude nature of humans. Nothing justifies Malena’s treatment during the movie, and the latter further illustrates how malicious gossip should be avoided at all costs. Her character serves as an innocent who endures immense pain. With time, we do get to understand the simple reality of life that makes it harder to beautiful.
The war in the background escalates the whole situation. People during difficult times usually tend to associate someone to be the problem and in this one, it happens to be Malèna. The film depicts how easily people fall for gossips than the actual facts.
The Look and Music of the Movie
Such a masterpiece of a film has been wonderfully shot. The town appears warm and sunny while at the same time it is also bleak for Malèna. The way she strides through the town with everybody fixated on her indicates how alone she actually is.
Ennio Morricone, the author of the score, has also done an incredible job. It evokes civilization and moves the audience even more profoundly. It stays with us much longer than the credits sequence does, reminding us of Malena’s hopelessness and resilience.
Monica Bellucci’s Performance
Monica Bellucci is incredible in her portrayal of Malèna. Her verbal capacity is limited in this film but the subtle intricacies of her face speak volumes of the trauma she went through, her strength, and her dignity. In the face of adversity, her demeanor remains dignified. This spices up what is already an extremely powerful and unforgettable character.
Why This Film Matters
A lot of people have said there is so much imagination this boy has associated to Malena, but fast forward to today, it is seen as a beautiful movie. It is important to be compassionate and not so quick to judge people based on their appearance.
Even now, Malena is an important movie. It teaches the audience about the grotesque ways people treat women simply by undermining their physical features. It further teaches how one should behave and necessitate the moral courage to go against the tide.
Final Comment
Malena is a film that evokes so many feelings – joy and sadness but more importantly, raises anger about the injustice that exists in the world and how far from perfect it is. After it all, it is the story that captures coming of age and the moral changes along, but it stays in the core and raises the important topic of kindness. With its amazing soundtrack, stunning acting, and the message it conveys through its scenes, we say that the malena will be cherished for years.
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