The Witches
Director: Mauro Bolognini, Vittorio De Sica, Pier Paolo Pasolini
Actors: Silvana Mangano, Annie Girardot, Francisco Rabal
PlotThe film is an anthology consisting of five segments, each exploring the theme of women and their interactions with society. The opening segment features a famous actress escaping her hectic life, only to find herself grappling with the societal expectations placed upon her. In another tale, a woman's desperate act to gain her indifferent husband's attention leads to unexpected consequences, shedding light on the emotional distance within their marriage.
As the anthology progresses, stories delve into various aspects of womanhood and societal norms. In one segment, a timid priest becomes the target of a seductive woman's advances, leading to a test of his faith and morality. Another story presents a man torn between duty and desire when he encounters an enchanting woman during a safari. The final segment provides a comedic yet poignant examination of a woman's complex relationship with love and fidelity. Each story is distinct yet interconnected by the overarching themes of identity, societal pressures, and the multifaceted nature of femininity.
Writers: Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, Cesare Zavattini, Agenore Incrocci
Release Date: 12 Mar 1969
Runtime: 105 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Italy, France
Language: Italian, English
Home Video Reviews
"The Witches," while disjointed and chaotic with its disparate stories, offers minor appeal through Mangano's performance, interesting elements for director fans, and a technically solid Arrow release.
Read our review of The Witches Blu-ray Le streghe to find out more