Watch To Forget Venice

To Forget Venice is a 1979 Italian drama film directed by Franco Brusati. The movie stars Mariangela Melato, Eleonora Giorgi, and Erland Josephson. The film is a poignant examination of lives at the crossroads of love, art, and personal crisis. The story takes place in Venice, the iconic Italian city known for its beauty and romance. The narrative follows three main characters, each dealing with their own emotional turmoil. The central character is Countess Livia Serpieri (Mariangela Melato), a woman in her late 30s who is married to a wealthy industrialist but feels unfulfilled in her life. She is an art historian by training and is introduced to a promising young painter, Attila (Erland Josephson), who has come to Venice to showcase his work. Livia is immediately drawn to Attila's artistic talent and begins to develop a romantic interest in him.

Attila, however, is more interested in Livia's protégé, a young art student named Mira (Eleonora Giorgi). Mira is initially apprehensive about getting involved with Attila, but he persuades her to pose for him. As they collaborate on his paintings, they grow closer, and Mira begins to fall in love with him.

The film explores the complex relationships between these three individuals and their pursuit of love, art and fulfillment. Livia sees in Attila a chance to break out of the sedentary life she has been leading and to recapture her lost youth. Attila, on the other hand, is struggling to come to terms with his creative impulse and feels confined by the expectations placed upon him. At the same time, Mira is grappling with her own feelings for Attila and her aspirations as an artist.

As the story unfolds, the characters' lives become more intertwined, and their conflicts come to a head. Ultimately, the film paints a picture of three people who are struggling to find their place in the world, to reconcile their desires and passion with the obligations and responsibilities of their lives.

The film is beautifully shot, transporting the viewer to the enchanting city of Venice. The cinematography captures the city’s canals, bridges, and narrow lanes, evoking an ethereal atmosphere that parallels the emotional intensity of the characters' internal struggles. The film also features a haunting score by composer Fiorenzo Carpi, contributing to the melancholic tone of the story.

The performances of the actors are stellar; Mariangela Melato gives a moving portrayal of a woman searching for meaning in her life, and Eleonora Giorgi delivers a strong and nuanced performance as the young student Mira. Erland Josephson, well-known for his collaborations with filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, brings depth and complexity to his role, as the artist Attila.

In conclusion, To Forget Venice is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of creativity. It is a timeless work of art that transports the viewer to a different time and place, while simultaneously speaking to the universal human experience. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersections of art, love, and self-discovery.