Red Desert
Director: Michelangelo Antonioni
Actors: Monica Vitti, Richard Harris, Carlo Chionetti
PlotIn an industrial landscape marred by factories and technological upheaval, Giuliana, a woman struggling with profound emotional and psychological turmoil, navigates the complexities of her life. Her distress manifests as an acute sense of alienation and existential anxiety, exacerbated by the cold, mechanical environment surrounding her. Her husband Ugo, who manages a nearby factory, remains largely oblivious to her inner turmoil, preoccupied with the demands of his work and the technological advancements of the time.
Seeking connection and a respite from her isolation, Giuliana enters into a tentative relationship with Corrado, a business associate of her husband. Corrado, who is in town overseeing the startup of a new project, seems to offer Giuliana a semblance of understanding and perhaps a way out of her existential predicament. However, the evolving dynamics between Giuliana, Ugo, and Corrado highlight the profound disconnection and communication barriers that manifest in their industrialized world, reflecting broader themes of environmental disruption and human alienation.
Writers: Michelangelo Antonioni, Tonino Guerra
Release Date: 08 Feb 1965
Runtime: 117 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Italy, France
Language: Italian, Turkish
Home Video Reviews
BFI's release of Red Desert & Salo brings long-awaited quality to English markets. Essential & highly recommended.
Read our review of Red Desert Blu-ray to find out more