Red Desert: A virtual Sahara of subtly

Michelangelo Antonioni [trailer]

This was literally my face for most of the film 

Once again a film that has chucked any suggestion of an engaging plot-line under the bus. The first experiment in Italian director, Antonioni's, transition into colour film making, Red Desert explores the malaise of industrial society and it's effect on the psyche. Needless to say, what this film may lack in the more traditional attention grabbing techniques it more than makes up for with a stunning construction of setting and the overall aesthetic. The film features some of Antonioni's most beautiful work with painted sets along with fabulous use of colour that truly demonstrates his grasp on using the aesthetic of the film to engage and compliment the character's journey. 

In the simplest of terms, Red Desert follows the breakdown of a young mother Giuliana (played by one of Antonioni's leading ladies, Monica Vitti), who appears to suffer from some form of post natal depression that spurs a rapid decline into a state of emotional wreckage. A condition mirrored and in many ways affected by her environment, the heavily industrialised area serves as a metaphor of her poisoned mind. The closing scene of the film further cements this connection between the environment and the psyche with Giuliana, symbolically dressed in green as the mother nature figure, positioned in front of a large mechanical factory that pumps toxic-looking gas into the air. It is clear she doesn't belong in this setting, however, Antonioni's placement intentionally highlights this obvious discord through the use of colour and carefully constructed mise-en-scene.

Now, after gushing over Antonioni's style let's talk a little about the pace. Now, I'll admit I'm not the most patient of sorts but this movie takes the notion of extended sequences to a whole new level. Red Desert felt like waiting for the cacti grow, only to find it didn't come with any unexpected plot spikes or even a flourishing flower of a finale. While I sat in awe of Antonioni's unique style and command of colour, I sat in baffled silence throughout most dialogue scenes just trying to understand where the story was going. While I understand the need for subtlety in a such a stunning visual  piece, I feel that Red Desert took this a little far, to the point where it's indirectness distracted me from truly appreciating it's visual style.

All in all, an unusual film that both intrigued and frustrated me in it's artistic approach. A must see Italian experimental for someone looking to broaden their cultural palette.