La Cicala

La Cicala, also known as The Cricket, is a 1980s Italian drama film directed by Alberto Lattuada. The film's plot weaves a tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, adventure, and personal battles against the backdrop of wartime Italy. Starring renowned actors like Anthony Franciosa, Virna Lisi, and emerging talent Clio Goldsmith, this movie stands as a testament to Lattuada's masterful storytelling.

The Cricket is set in Italy during World War II, a time of discord and chaos. Many were tested by circumstances beyond their control, and their tenacity and strength of spirit were brought to the fore. The movie traces the experiences of Wilma, portrayed expertly by Virna Lisi. Wilma is a married woman who takes on the challenge of surviving in the wartime ravaged Italy while also facing life-altering personal circumstances.

Wilma's journey unfolds as a gripping and tumultuous rollercoaster ride, impacting her life and those around her. The audience witnesses her downward spiral, invoked by her desperate conditions and the hardships of the war. It’s a narrative mired as much in her personal tragedy as it is in her resilience and fortitude. Virna Lisi's portrayal of Wilma is both expressive and heart-rending, offering an intimate look at the inner workings of a war-torn woman’s heart and mind.

Wilma's husband is portrayed by Anthony Franciosa, a man more interested in his affairs than in his war-afflicted wife's predicament. His portrayal of a man, indifferent to his wife's trials, serves as a sharp contrast to the lean wire-like tension that surrounds Wilma. Franciosa is skillful in his apathy, lending an edge that makes his character a crucial element in Wilma's unpredictable storyline.

Adding to the complexity of the narrative is the character of Cecilia, played by the young Clio Goldsmith. Cecilia is an enigmatic woman of mystery and desire who enters Wilma's life in the most unexpected way. Her involvement with Wilma adds a new dimension to the story, fueling the frenzy of events that follow. Goldsmith's role is both central and pivotal, adding rich layers to the intermingling narratives of the movie.

La Cicala is a film that encapsulates the spirit of human endurance and unpredictability of life. Lattuada's direction is supremely balanced, neither relinquishing the gritty reality of the war nor overshadowing the deeply personal struggles with the broader social context. The director skillfully interweaves the broader themes of war, poverty, and infidelity with the personal experiences of his characters. This results in a narrative that combines the vast, sweeping panorama of a country at war with the detailed, intimate portrait of a woman’s life falling apart.

The brilliance of La Cicala also lies in the way it portrays the characters and the period aesthetically. The costumes, art direction, and production design transport the viewers back in time, providing a vivid sense of the era. The authentic sets and panoramas evoke the mood of the period, offering a haunting yet captivating backdrop to Wilma's heart-wrenching tale.

However, La Cicala is not just a film about war and personal struggle. At its heart, it is a tale about survival. It highlights the strength it takes to survive extreme situations and underscores the adaptability and resilience of human nature in the face of overwhelming odds. Wilma, despite her losses and series of misfortunes, emerges as a beacon of tenacity.

The film's title, "The Cricket," takes on a symbolic meaning as it progresses. Like the insect that continues to chirp even in the harshest conditions, Wilma continues to endure, maintaining her spirit amidst the turbulent times.

To wrap it up, La Cicala is an impeccably directed war drama that maintains a compelling narrative through a tight screenplay and stellar performances from its lead actors. The film offers an in-depth inquiry into the human spirit of resilience while portraying a realistic, haunting picture of wartime Italy.