La commare secca

La commare secca, or The Grim Reaper as it is known in English, is a 1962 Italian drama film that marks the directorial debut of celebrated filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci. Produced by Antonio Cervi, the movie features Francesco Ruiu, Giancarlo De Rosa, and Vincenzo Ciccora in significant roles. This film is a hidden gem from the prime of Italian neo-realism, a genre that presents stories based on the raw realities of life. Although Bertolucci is better known for his epic melodramas like The Last Emperor and Last Tango in Paris, La commare secca showcases his formidable directorial prowess from a very early age, establishing his ability to weave an intricate narrative without compromising on style or relevance.

La commare secca is primarily a mystery, built around the murder of a prostitute in a park in Rome. The plot, however, does not solely focus on the crime but uses it as a launchpad to delve into the lives of disparate individuals who happened to be in or around the park on that fateful day. The narrative structure of the film commences with the discovery of the murder, wherein it immediately shifts focus to retelling the day's events from the perspectives of various characters, each with their unique stories and identities.

Each of these characters, predominantly non-professional actors, represent a fragment of the socio-economic fabric of Rome in the 1960s – a soldier, a street hustler, a pair of young lovers and more. As each story unravels, the film paints a vivid picture of a society marked by poverty, longing, and resigned acceptance of their fate. Through the process of revisiting the everyday lives of these characters in a seemingly stratified society, the film moves beyond being just a crime mystery and explores humanity in its most raw and real form.

One of the hallmarks of the movie is its innovative use of non-linear storytelling. Bertolucci breathes life into the storyline by embedding it with flashback sequences. Each flashback not only offers a new insight into the possible identity of the murderer but also provides a glimpse into the character's inner world. Although they are suspects in a murder, each individual is presented as a protagonist in their story, humanizing them for the audience. This compelling narrative style keeps the viewers engaged as they are taken through an artful exploration of the shared human existence, despite their seeming differences.

La commare secca's stunning black-and-white cinematography, the work of Alberto Marrama and Carlo Di Palma, deserves a special mention. The spellbinding long shots expertly capture the scenic beauty and the stark unvarnished landscapes, as well as the multifaceted urban life of Rome. As the camera pans across the capital city, it presents a melancholic amble through the iconic cityscape, setting the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.

While the movie unravels as an exploration of subjective truth and multi-perspective narrative, its background score, composed by Piero Piccioni, accentuates the drama and emotional depth of the scenes. The poignant music composition accompanies the viewers throughout their journey into the intertwined lives of these characters, enhancing the overall immersive experience of the film.

La commare secca is an apt demonstration of how art-house cinema can effectively merge style and substance with its insightful understanding of the human condition. The filmmakers' deft fusion of a murder mystery with intrapersonal narratives and the socio-economic reality of the time not only deliver a riveting watch but also a thoughtful social commentary. Above all, this film distinctly showcases Bertolucci's flair for storytelling and his meticulous attention to details, which would be hallmarks of his acclaimed filmography in the future.

Whether you are an avid cinephile or someone merely interested in exploring the depth and diversity of global cinema, La commare secca is a must-watch. This film is not just a stepping stone in Bertolucci's illustrious career but stands as a testament to his innovativeness, artistic depth, and the ability to provoke thought through cinema.