Watch Il Grido

Il Grido is a drama film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, released in 1957. The film stars Steve Cochran as Aldo, a mechanic who is stuck in a loveless relationship with Irma (Alida Valli) and longs for his lover, the young and beautiful Andreina (Gabriella Pallotta). The story is set in a small industrial town in Northern Italy, where the landscape and the harsh industrial environment reflect Aldo's turmoil.

The film opens with a sequence of Aldo and Andreina's romantic relationship. They are seen enjoying each other's company on a beach and driving through the countryside. However, their romance seems to be doomed from the start, as they both acknowledge that they belong to different worlds. Aldo has a family and a past that he cannot escape, while Andreina is carefree and rebellious, seemingly untouched by society's conventions.

Despite their differences, Aldo and Andreina's love for each other is genuine and passionate, and it is evident in the way they look at each other and share intimate moments. However, when Aldo's employer announces that he is relocating to another town, Aldo must make a decision. He can either stay with Irma and his daughter, or he can leave with Andreina and start a new life.

Thus begins Aldo's journey, as he sets out on the road with Andreina in search of a new home and a new future. Along the way, they encounter different characters who offer a glimpse into the poverty, loneliness, and desperation of rural Italy. The film portrays the hardships of daily life faced by the working-class, such as the lack of job opportunities, the high cost of living, and the struggle to survive.

Despite the bleakness of their surroundings, Aldo and Andreina strive to make the most of their time together. They visit a nightclub, dance to live music, and find comfort in small pleasures. However, as they move from place to place, Aldo becomes increasingly disillusioned with their situation. He realizes that the idyllic dream he had envisioned for himself and Andreina will never come true. He is plagued by feelings of guilt and nostalgia for his past life, and starts to doubt whether he made the right choice.

The film's themes of love, loss, and freedom are explored through Aldo's character. His longing for a better life with Andreina is juxtaposed against the reality of his situation. He is torn between his desire for love and his obligations to his family, his job, and his community. At the same time, Andreina represents a sense of liberation and escape from the constraining norms of society. Her free spirit is admired by Aldo, yet it also threatens his sense of identity and stability.

Il Grido stands out for its portrayal of the Italian landscape, which becomes a character in itself. The cinematography captures the vastness and beauty of the Po Valley, as well as its melancholic and desolate aspects. The film's soundtrack also plays an important role in setting the mood and conveying the emotions of the characters.

Overall, Il Grido is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the human condition and the complexities of love and desire. Its themes still resonate today, and its visual aesthetics and storytelling techniques have influenced generations of filmmakers.

Il Grido is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.