First Love

First Love is a 1970 film directed by Maximilian Schell that offers a visually stunning exploration of youthful awakening, ardor, and disillusionment. Starring John Moulder-Brown, Dominique Sanda, and Maximillian Schell himself, this film beautifully intertwines romantic themes with an undertone of existential questioning.

The movie is finely grounded in the familiar setting of a 19th century Russian provincial town, brought alive with traditional period-specific costumes, furnishing and breathtaking cinematography. The narrative revolves around the transformative coming-of-age experience of the movie's young protagonist Alexander (played by John Moulder-Brown). Alexander is a highly philosophical seventeen-year-old university student, spending his summer vacation at the family estate.

A significant character is introduced with the arrival of a young woman, a worldly and somewhat enigmatic widow named Sinaida (Dominique Sanda), who has taken residence next door. She turns his world upside down. Alexander is immediately smitten by her charm and beauty, experiencing the bitter sweet evolution from innocent infatuation to profound love.

Sanda's portrayal of Sinaida is particularly impressive. She expertly embodies the captivating charisma and elusive depth of the character. Sinaida is warm, independent, and enigmatic, drawing men around her like moths to a flame, and inevitably becoming the object of Alexander's intense affections. Alexander, on the other hand, perfectly portrayed by Moulder-Brown, is a young man with a romantic spirit, his thoughts and feelings oscillating between love, jealousy and desperation as he experiences the powerful emotions of first love.

Maximillian Schell, who besides directing also plays the role of the suave yet mysterious character named Dr. Zhukovsky, brings an added layer of complexity to the story. The relationships and interactions among these characters unravel beautifully as the narrative progresses.

One of the primary highlights of First Love is its exquisite direction by Schell. Schell's deft storytelling skills, an excellent ensemble of actors, and his artistic direction are very much vibrant in every frame. The film exhibits splendid visual storytelling, with some scenes beautifully encapsulating the charm and vitality of the period setting.

Pivotal to the movie's appeal is its exploration of the theme of romantic awakening and lost innocence. It offers a deep, introspective, and often melancholic view into the turbulent emotions of a teenager experiencing the intensity of first love. The narrative subtly blends elements of youthful curiosity, longing, jealousy, and heartbreak, creating an emotional and psychological journey that resonates with audiences.

The direction and storytelling are further heightened by an excellent musical score, which perfectly matches the romantic and somber mood of the film. The score, composed by Ennio Morricone, is poignant and emotionally charged, adding layers to the narrative and beautifully complementing the visual narrative.

The cinematography plays a significant role in the film's aesthetic appeal. The scenes are masterfully shot, capturing the natural and architectural beauty of the 19th-century setting. Moreover, it also plays a crucial role in the storytelling, with several scenes beautifully capturing the characters' emotional states and the overall mood of the film.

Overall, First Love is a tender and beautiful depiction of a young man's rite of passage. It brilliantly captures the bittersweet nature of youthful infatuation and the pain of disillusionment. With powerful performances, exquisite direction, and captivating aesthetics, the film leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Whether it's the universal theme of first love, the memorable characters, the evocative score, or the beautiful period setting, there are several reasons to recommend this artful piece of cinema.