Watch Attraction

Attraction (Nerosubianco), also known by its international title Black on White, is a 1969 Italian arthouse film that takes a strikingly unique approach to the social commentary of its time. The movie is known for its avant-garde style and offers an experimental narrative. Directed by Tinto Brass, a filmmaker who would later gain infamy for his controversial and sexually charged works, Attraction is an early example of his interest in pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and exploring societal taboos.

Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s counterculture and the sexual revolution, Attraction dissects the complexities of race relations, sexual freedom, and the cultural upheavals that defined the era. The film stars Anita Sanders, Terry Carter, and Nino Segurini and utilizes their characters to delve into themes of desire, liberation, and the search for personal identity.

Anita Sanders plays Barbara, a young, sophisticated, and attractive woman who embodies the quintessential image of a middle-class Italian housewife. She is married to Paolo, portrayed by Nino Segurini, a conservative and possibly close-minded businessman. Together with their child, they seem to represent the traditional nuclear family. The film's narrative begins to unravel when Barbara encounters a charismatic and thoughtful African-American man named Bill, played by Terry Carter, whose presence challenges her preconceived notions of race, sexuality, and societal norms.

The interaction between Barbara and Bill serves as the central mechanism through which Attraction explores its thematic content. Brass uses a range of film techniques to accentuate the emotional and psychological tension between the characters, including quick cuts, disorienting camera angles, and a nonlinear editing style that was a signature of experimental filmmaking at the time. Juxtaposing vivid imagery of London's swinging sixties — replete with flower children, anti-war protests, and burgeoning pop culture — the film creates a rich tapestry that is both sensory and provocative.

Music plays an integral role in Attraction, providing another layer to its complex narrative. Composed by Freedom, a band known for their psychedelic rock sound, the score resonates with the free-spirited attitude and ideological turmoil of the era. The soundtrack, with its entrancing rhythms and visceral beats, punctuates the visual and thematic motifs throughout the movie, enriching the viewing experience.

The bold use of color in Attraction is an essential narrative element, with the movie title itself suggesting a dichotomy between black and white. The film often employs stark contrasts and a monochromatic aesthetic that symbolize the racial tension and the conflict between conservative values and liberal aspirations. There are moments of vibrant color that burst through, signifying the chaotic beauty of the period and the possibility of integration and harmony amidst social dissonance.

The storyline's progression is marked by Barbara’s internal struggle as she grapples with her own identity and mores. Deliberately provocative, Attraction is less concerned with providing a conventional plot and more focused on offering an experiential journey through the lead character's mind. Barbara's relationship with Bill acts as a catalyst for her to question her life's path, her sexual repression, and the social constructs that confine her.

While there is a considerable focus on sexuality in the film, it's not presented in a purely exploitative or graphic manner. Instead, Brass appears to be investigating the deeper meaning behind sexual liberation — how it intersects with philosophy, politics, and personal growth. The narrative invites the audience to reflect on their own views about morality, love, and the intricate web of human relationships.

Attraction might be challenging for viewers who prefer straightforward storytelling, as the film requires a level of intellectual engagement and open-mindedness to appreciate the full spectrum of its message. While dealing with serious subject matter, the movie isn't devoid of humor and irony, winking at the audience through surrealistic sequences and an often playful tone that comments on the absurdity of human prejudices and societal restrictions.

Given its vintage, Attraction serves not only as a cinematic experiment but also as a historical document, encapsulating the revolutionary spirit and iconoclastic tendencies of the 1960s. It is also an illuminating lens on the work of Tinto Brass, showcasing the beginnings of his fascination with human sexuality and societal norms — themes he would continue to explore throughout his career.

In summary, Attraction (Nerosubianco) stands out as an audacious piece of Italian cinema, blending narrative, music, and imagery to create a potent exploration of identity, race, and sexual politics. It is a thought-provoking movie that captures the essence of a turbulent, transformative time in history through the intimate, often psychedelic journey of its characters.

Attraction is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.