Le streghe

Le streghe (also known as The Witches in English) is a bold and imaginative anthology film from Italy, released in 1967. At its core, Le streghe is a cinematic collection of five short films, each directed by a different visionary, renowned for their original and daring works in the world of Italian cinema. The five segments were tied together by the enchanting performances of two accomplished actresses, the luminary Silvana Mangano and the engaging Annie Girardot, with a special appearance by the durable Francisco Rabal.

As an anthology, Le streghe offers a varied and contrasting variety of styles, tones, and narratives, each with a unique exploration of the titular concept of 'witches.' From the realms of rom-com to surreal fantasy, from nuanced social critique to farcical satire, this cinematic venture unabashedly uncovers the shrouded facets of human nature, love, and societal norms. The segments, although diverse, are held together by Silvana Mangano's enigmatic screen presence who seamlessly transitions from one character to another.

The first segment, "The Witch Burned Alive," is a dark, deprecating look at the cruel world of show business, where a successful but vulnerable actress faces the harsh scrutiny of the public eye. Crafted by the legendary Luchino Visconti, this opening act sets a melancholic tone for the anthology.

The second segment, "Civic Sense," provides a shift in tempo and mood with a lighthearted tale about a wounded man's adventures on a remote highway. Directed by Mauro Bolognini, this whimsical story adds an element of lightness and humor to the anthology.

Next comes the third segment, "The Earth Seen from the Moon." Directed by visionary Pier Paolo Pasolini, this tragicomic tale is a punchy, colorful exploration of love and grief, which adds a deeply satirical and poignant layer to the anthology's narrative weave.

Franco Rossi's "The Sicilian’s Belle," the fourth segment, takes viewers back in time, to a young Sicilian man's infatuation with a beautiful but unattainable woman. The narrative presents a rich blend of passion, innocence, and prevailing societal hierarchies in a rural setting.

The final segment, "An Evening Like the Others," helmed by the renowned Vittorio De Sica, delves into the boredom and stagnation within a monotonous marriage. This bit is a surreal and symbolic exploration where daydreams and reality intertwine, leaving viewers to ponder upon notions of love, happiness, and illusion.

Throughout Le streghe, Silvana Mangano exhibits an impressive range of acting abilities, emotions, and characterizations. Her seamless transition from the victimized starlet in "The Witch Burned Alive," to the vibrant widower in "The Earth," to the plain wife seeking solace in daydreams in "An Evening," underlines her versatility and magnetic screen presence.

Taking supporting roles in the anthology, Annie Girardot and Francisco Rabal bring both depth and dimension to the screen. Girardot's performance adds nuance and complexity to the narratives, especially seen in her enactment opposite Mangano. Rabal, on the other hand, adds a certain charm and competence, ensuring that the ensemble cast does not overshadow his contributions to the endeavor.

At the heart of it, Le streghe is a unique cinematic exploration, daring to push boundaries and break norms in narration and style. Its fusion of the real and the surreal, of harsh truths layered with laughter and love, and its cheeky defiance of traditional genres makes it an eclectic film, reflecting the inherent diversity and versatility of Italian cinema. The distinct signatures of the five directors are seen clearly in their respective works, united by Mangano's intriguing performances.

For those who appreciate films that pull away from the mainstream, breaking the shackles of the ordinary, and challenging the viewer's perceptions, Le streghe or “The Witches” offers just that – a unique, thought-provoking and satirical exploration of the human experience, through the lens of cinema's greatest Italian visionaries. Anchored by gripping performances, this film is a must-see for cinephiles thirsting for both substance and style, bound within an anthology.