Monica Vitti
Encyclopedia
Monica Vitti is an Italian
actress best known for her starring roles in films directed by Michelangelo Antonioni
, her lover at that time, during the early 1960s. After working with Antonioni, Vitti changed focus and began making comedies, working with director Mario Monicelli
on many films.
She has appeared with leading men like Marcello Mastroianni
, Richard Harris
, and Dirk Bogarde
. Her last film was Scandalo Segreto
.
, she acted in amateur productions as a teenager, then trained as an actor at Rome's National Academy of Dramatic Arts (graduating in 1953) and at Pittman's College, where she played a teen in a charity performance of Dario Niccodemi
's La nemica. She toured Germany
with an Italian acting troupe and her first stage appearance in Rome was for a production of Niccolò Machiavelli
's La Mandragola
.
Vitti's first film role was in Ettore Scola's Ridere Ridere Ridere (1954) but her first widely noted performance was at the age of 26 in Mario Amendola
's Le dritte (1958). In 1957 she joined Michelangelo Antonioni's
Teatro Nuovo di Milano and later played a leading role in his internationally praised and award winning film L'avventura
(1960) as a detached and cool protagonist drifting into a relationship with the lover of her missing girlfriend. Giving a screen presence which has been described as "stunning" she is also credited with helping Antonioni raise money for the production and sticking with him through daunting location shooting. L'avventura made Vitti an international star and one of Italy's most famous actresses of the 20th century. Her image later appeared on an Italian postage stamp commemorating the film.
Vitti received critical praise for starring roles in the Antonioni films La Notte
(Night, 1961), L'Eclisse (Eclipse, 1962) and Red Desert (Red Desert, 1964), which are often cited with L'avventura as a series. After she and Antonioni's relationship ended, they did not work together again until Il mistero di Oberwald
(1980).
Vitti's made only two English language films. The first was Modesty Blaise
(1966), a mod James Bond
spy spoof with Terence Stamp
and Dirk Bogarde
which had only mixed success and received harsh critical reviews. The other English film was Michael Ritchie's An Almost Perfect Affair
(1979) with Keith Carradine
which takes place during the Cannes Film Festival.
in Ettore Scola's highly successful romantic comedy Dramma della gelosia (The Pizza Triangle, 1970). In 1974 she won the David di Donatello award for Best Actress
in Alberto Sordi
's Polvere di stelle
(1973). She starred in Luis Buñuel
's innovative Le Fantôme de la liberté
(1974). This is often considered her last great film.
Throughout the later 1970s and early 1980s Vitti appeared mostly in Italian films which did not gain international distribution. Even though Il mistero di Oberwald
is noted for the last collaboration between Vitti and Antonioni, it is not as well known as L'Avventura
. After this movie was made, Vitti did not do as much screen work. In 1989 however, Vitti tried writing and directing and created Scandalo Segreto
, which she also starred in. The film was not a success and she then retired from cinema.
By 1986 Vitti had returned to the theatre as an actress and teacher. During the 1990s she did television work, acting and directing. In 1993 Vitti was awarded the Festival Tribute at the Créteil
International Women's Film Festival in France.
and Vitti met in the late 1950s, and their relationship grew stronger after L'Avventura
was made, because it had shaped both their careers. However, by the late 1960s, they didn't make any movies together, making the relationship strained until it officially ended. In a later interview, Vitti stated that Antonioni ended their relationship.
In 1995 Vitti married Roberto Russo, with whom she had lived since 1975.
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
actress best known for her starring roles in films directed by Michelangelo Antonioni
Michelangelo Antonioni
Michelangelo Antonioni, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI was an Italian modernist film director, screenwriter, editor and short story writer.- Personal life :...
, her lover at that time, during the early 1960s. After working with Antonioni, Vitti changed focus and began making comedies, working with director Mario Monicelli
Mario Monicelli
Mario Monicelli was an Italian director and screenwriter and one of the masters of the Commedia all'Italiana , three times nominated for Oscar.-Biography:...
on many films.
She has appeared with leading men like Marcello Mastroianni
Marcello Mastroianni
Marcello Vincenzo Domenico Mastroianni, Knight Grand Cross was an Italian film actor. His honours included British Film Academy Awards, Best Actor awards at the Cannes Film Festival and two Golden Globe Awards.- Personal life :...
, Richard Harris
Richard Harris
Richard St John Harris was an Irish actor, singer-songwriter, theatrical producer, film director and writer....
, and Dirk Bogarde
Dirk Bogarde
Sir Dirk Bogarde was an English actor and novelist. Initially a matinee idol in such films as Doctor in the House and other Rank Organisation pictures, Bogarde later acted in art-house films such as Death in Venice...
. Her last film was Scandalo Segreto
Scandalo Segreto
Secret Scandal is a 1989 Italian film which was written and directed by Monica Vitti. It was starred by the same Monica Vitti, Elliott Gould, Gino Pernice, and Catherine Spaak...
.
Earlier life and career
Born Maria Luisa Ceciarelli in RomeRome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, she acted in amateur productions as a teenager, then trained as an actor at Rome's National Academy of Dramatic Arts (graduating in 1953) and at Pittman's College, where she played a teen in a charity performance of Dario Niccodemi
Dario Niccodemi
Dario Niccodemi was a novelist and a playwright who was born in Italy.He spent his youth in Buenos Aires; he met the french actress Rejane in 1900, became her secretary and translated and adapted for her several Italian works...
's La nemica. She toured Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
with an Italian acting troupe and her first stage appearance in Rome was for a production of Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli was an Italian historian, philosopher, humanist, and writer based in Florence during the Renaissance. He is one of the main founders of modern political science. He was a diplomat, political philosopher, playwright, and a civil servant of the Florentine Republic...
's La Mandragola
The Mandrake
The Mandrake is a satirical play by Italian Renaissance writer Niccolò Machiavelli. Its tale of the corruption of Italian society was written while Machiavelli was in exile, allegedly having plotted against the Medici...
.
Mario Amendola
Mario Amendola was an Italian screenwriter and film director. He wrote for 153 films between 1941 and 1987. He also directed 37 films between 1949 and 1975...
's Le dritte (1958). In 1957 she joined Michelangelo Antonioni's
Michelangelo Antonioni
Michelangelo Antonioni, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI was an Italian modernist film director, screenwriter, editor and short story writer.- Personal life :...
Teatro Nuovo di Milano and later played a leading role in his internationally praised and award winning film L'avventura
L'avventura
L'Avventura is a 1960 Italian film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and developed from a story he created. Monica Vitti and Gabriele Ferzetti star. It is noted for its careful pacing, which puts a focus on visual composition and character development, as well as for its unusual narrative structure...
(1960) as a detached and cool protagonist drifting into a relationship with the lover of her missing girlfriend. Giving a screen presence which has been described as "stunning" she is also credited with helping Antonioni raise money for the production and sticking with him through daunting location shooting. L'avventura made Vitti an international star and one of Italy's most famous actresses of the 20th century. Her image later appeared on an Italian postage stamp commemorating the film.
Vitti received critical praise for starring roles in the Antonioni films La Notte
La Notte
La Notte is a 1961 Italian film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. It is considered the central film of a trilogy beginning with L'avventura and ending with L'Eclisse.- Plot :...
(Night, 1961), L'Eclisse (Eclipse, 1962) and Red Desert (Red Desert, 1964), which are often cited with L'avventura as a series. After she and Antonioni's relationship ended, they did not work together again until Il mistero di Oberwald
Il mistero di Oberwald
Il mistero di Oberwald or The Mystery of Oberwald is a 1981 drama film, written, edited and directed by Italian Director Michelangelo Antonioni. It was filmed on video...
(1980).
Vitti's made only two English language films. The first was Modesty Blaise
Modesty Blaise (1966 film)
Modesty Blaise was a comedic spy-fi motion picture produced in the United Kingdom and released worldwide in 1966. It was loosely based upon the popular comic strip Modesty Blaise by Peter O'Donnell, who wrote the original story and scenario upon which Evan Jones based his screenplay...
(1966), a mod James Bond
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
spy spoof with Terence Stamp
Terence Stamp
Terence Henry Stamp is an English actor. Since starting his career in 1962 he has appeared in over 60 films. His title role as Billy Budd in his film debut earned Stamp an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a BAFTA nomination for Best Newcomer.His other major roles include...
and Dirk Bogarde
Dirk Bogarde
Sir Dirk Bogarde was an English actor and novelist. Initially a matinee idol in such films as Doctor in the House and other Rank Organisation pictures, Bogarde later acted in art-house films such as Death in Venice...
which had only mixed success and received harsh critical reviews. The other English film was Michael Ritchie's An Almost Perfect Affair
An Almost Perfect Affair
An Almost Perfect Affair is a 1979 romantic comedy film directed by Michael Ritchie about the Cannes Film Festival and an affair between a filmmaker and a film producer's wife, set during the film festival...
(1979) with Keith Carradine
Keith Carradine
Keith Ian Carradine is an American actor who has had success on stage, film and television. In addition, he is a Golden Globe and Oscar winning songwriter. As a member of the Carradine family, he is part of an acting "dynasty" that began with his father, John Carradine.-Early life:Keith...
which takes place during the Cannes Film Festival.
Later career
In 1970 Vitti starred with Marcello MastroianniMarcello Mastroianni
Marcello Vincenzo Domenico Mastroianni, Knight Grand Cross was an Italian film actor. His honours included British Film Academy Awards, Best Actor awards at the Cannes Film Festival and two Golden Globe Awards.- Personal life :...
in Ettore Scola's highly successful romantic comedy Dramma della gelosia (The Pizza Triangle, 1970). In 1974 she won the David di Donatello award for Best Actress
David di Donatello for Best Actress
-Albo d'oro:1956Gina Lollobrigida - La donna più bella del mondo1958*Anna Magnani - Wild Is the Wind1959*Anna Magnani - Nella città l'inferno1961*Sophia Loren - La ciociara1963...
in Alberto Sordi
Alberto Sordi
Alberto Sordi, also known as Albertone, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI was an Italian actor. He was also a film director and the dubbing voice of Oliver Hardy in the Italian version of the Laurel & Hardy films....
's Polvere di stelle
Polvere di stelle
Polvere di stelle is a 1973 Italian film which was directed by Alberto Sordi. It was starred by Alberto Sordi and Monica Vitti.-Synopsis:...
(1973). She starred in Luis Buñuel
Luis Buñuel
Luis Buñuel Portolés was a Spanish-born filmmaker — later a naturalized citizen of Mexico — who worked in Spain, Mexico, France and the US..-Early years:...
's innovative Le Fantôme de la liberté
Le fantôme de la liberté
The Phantom of Liberty is a 1974 film by Luis Buñuel, produced by Serge Silberman and starring Adriana Asti, Julien Bertheau and Jean-Claude Brialy.-Plot:...
(1974). This is often considered her last great film.
Throughout the later 1970s and early 1980s Vitti appeared mostly in Italian films which did not gain international distribution. Even though Il mistero di Oberwald
Il mistero di Oberwald
Il mistero di Oberwald or The Mystery of Oberwald is a 1981 drama film, written, edited and directed by Italian Director Michelangelo Antonioni. It was filmed on video...
is noted for the last collaboration between Vitti and Antonioni, it is not as well known as L'Avventura
L'avventura
L'Avventura is a 1960 Italian film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and developed from a story he created. Monica Vitti and Gabriele Ferzetti star. It is noted for its careful pacing, which puts a focus on visual composition and character development, as well as for its unusual narrative structure...
. After this movie was made, Vitti did not do as much screen work. In 1989 however, Vitti tried writing and directing and created Scandalo Segreto
Scandalo Segreto
Secret Scandal is a 1989 Italian film which was written and directed by Monica Vitti. It was starred by the same Monica Vitti, Elliott Gould, Gino Pernice, and Catherine Spaak...
, which she also starred in. The film was not a success and she then retired from cinema.
By 1986 Vitti had returned to the theatre as an actress and teacher. During the 1990s she did television work, acting and directing. In 1993 Vitti was awarded the Festival Tribute at the Créteil
Créteil
-Health:As of 1 January 2006, 27 pharmacies, about 60 dentists, about 60 general practitioners, 10 pediatricians, and a half-dozen ophthalmologists and dermatologists constitute the general medical staff of the city.Health facilities include:...
International Women's Film Festival in France.
Personal Life
Michelangelo AntonioniMichelangelo Antonioni
Michelangelo Antonioni, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI was an Italian modernist film director, screenwriter, editor and short story writer.- Personal life :...
and Vitti met in the late 1950s, and their relationship grew stronger after L'Avventura
L'avventura
L'Avventura is a 1960 Italian film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and developed from a story he created. Monica Vitti and Gabriele Ferzetti star. It is noted for its careful pacing, which puts a focus on visual composition and character development, as well as for its unusual narrative structure...
was made, because it had shaped both their careers. However, by the late 1960s, they didn't make any movies together, making the relationship strained until it officially ended. In a later interview, Vitti stated that Antonioni ended their relationship.
In 1995 Vitti married Roberto Russo, with whom she had lived since 1975.
Awards
- Nastro d'ArgentoNastro d'ArgentoThe Nastro d'Argento is a movie award assigned each year, since 1946, for cinematic performances and production by Sindacato Nazionale dei Giornalisti Cinematografici Italiani, the association of Italian film critics...
(Italy): 3 occasions (Best Supporting ActressNastro d'Argento Best supporting ActressNastro d'Argento is a film award assigned each year, since 1947 for cinematic performances and production by Sindacato Nazionale dei Giornalisti Cinematografici Italiani, the association of Italian film critics....
: 1962. Best ActressNastro d'Argento Best ActressA list of the Nastro d'Argento awards for Best Actress.*1946 - Clara Calamai - L'adultera*1947 - Alida Valli - Eugenia Grandet*1948 - Anna Magnani - L'onorevole Angelina*1949 - Anna Magnani - L'amore*1950 -...
: 1969, 1976) - David di DonatelloDavid di DonatelloDavid di Donatello, named after Donatello's David, is a movie award assigned each year for cinematic performances and production by Ente David di Donatello, part of Accademia del Cinema Italiano. It is the Italian equivalent to the Academy Award. There are 24 categories as of 2006.- History :The...
(Italy): 5 occasions (Best ActressDavid di Donatello for Best Actress-Albo d'oro:1956Gina Lollobrigida - La donna più bella del mondo1958*Anna Magnani - Wild Is the Wind1959*Anna Magnani - Nella città l'inferno1961*Sophia Loren - La ciociara1963...
: 1969, 1971, 1974, 1976, 1979) - Golden Grail (Italy): 4 occasions
- Silver Bear for an outstanding single achievement at the 34th Berlin International Film Festival34th Berlin International Film FestivalThe 34th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from February 17 to February 28, 1984.-Jury:* Liv Ullmann * Jules Dassin* Edward Bennett* Manuela Cernat-Gheorghiu* Lana Gogoberidze* Tullio Kezich* Steffen Kuchenreuther...
.
Filmography
A few roles are uncredited bit parts or voice overs.
|
Ninì Tirabusciò: la donna che inventò la mossa Ninì Tirabusciò: la donna che inventò la mossa is a 1970 Italian comedy film directed by Marcello Fondato. It was entered into the 21st Berlin International Film Festival.-Cast:* Monica Vitti - Maria Sarti aka Ninì Tirabusciò... (1970) La Tosca La Tosca is a five-act drama by the 19th-century French playwright Victorien Sardou. It was first performed on 24 November 1887 at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris, with Sarah Bernhardt in the title role... (1973) Polvere di stelle Polvere di stelle is a 1973 Italian film which was directed by Alberto Sordi. It was starred by Alberto Sordi and Monica Vitti.-Synopsis:... (1973) Le fantôme de la liberté The Phantom of Liberty is a 1974 film by Luis Buñuel, produced by Serge Silberman and starring Adriana Asti, Julien Bertheau and Jean-Claude Brialy.-Plot:... (1974) A mezzanotte va la ronda del piacere A mezzanotte va la ronda del piacere is a 1975 Italian film. It stars Claudia Cardinale.... (1975) |
Qui comincia l'avventura Qui comincia l'avventura is a 1975 Italian film. It stars Claudia Cardinale.... (1975) An Almost Perfect Affair An Almost Perfect Affair is a 1979 romantic comedy film directed by Michael Ritchie about the Cannes Film Festival and an affair between a filmmaker and a film producer's wife, set during the film festival... (1979) Il mistero di Oberwald Il mistero di Oberwald or The Mystery of Oberwald is a 1981 drama film, written, edited and directed by Italian Director Michelangelo Antonioni. It was filmed on video... (1981) Flirt (1983 film) Flirt is a 1983 Italian-French drama film directed by Roberto Russo. It was entered into the 34th Berlin International Film Festival where Monica Vitti won the Silver Bear for an outstanding single achievement.-Cast:* Jean-Luc Bideau as Giovanni Landini... (1983) Scandalo Segreto Secret Scandal is a 1989 Italian film which was written and directed by Monica Vitti. It was starred by the same Monica Vitti, Elliott Gould, Gino Pernice, and Catherine Spaak... (1989) |
Further reading
- Antonioni, Michelangelo (1963) Michelangelo Antonioni: an introduction. Trans. by Scott Sullivan. New York: Simon and Schuster
- Arrowsmith, William & Perry, Ted, eds. (1995) Antonioni: the poet of images. New York: Oxford University Press
- Brunette, Peter (1998) The Films of Michelangelo Antonioni. New York: Cambridge University Press
- Chatman, Seymour (1985) Antonioni, or the Surface of the World. Berkeley: University of California Press
External links
- Site on Monica Vitti
- Monica Vitti, at LeninImports.