Woman Times Seven

Woman Times Seven, a 1967 sex comedy anthology film, stars the charismatic Shirley MacLaine, the versatile Peter Sellers, and the formidable Elspeth March. The film is a tantalizing cavalcade of stories, each offering a unique, enticing, and engaging perspective on life, love, and womanhood. Directed by the Italian maestro, Vittorio De Sica, the film presents seven different humorous episodes or vignettes, each depicting a different character played by MacLaine. Each individual vignette orbits around a distinct aspect of society, love, and sexuality.

The film's genius isn't solely embodied by its unique narrative structure, which is skilfully woven together by its intersegmental narratives, but rather by its deft blend of humor, drama, and romance. The different stories presented in Woman Times Seven are maneuvered seamlessly into one another, forming a unified whole that leaves the audience emotionally engaged, yet consistently surprised.

Woman Times Seven showcases Shirley MacLaine’s exceptional talent in full bloom. Through each different story, MacLaine explores a variety of characters, each one distinct, with depths of motivations unique to her. Whether she's seen tackling the role of a grieving widow, a betrayed wife, or even an elite sex worker, MacLaine embodies each character with captivating grace and empathy.

The film also adroitly encapsulates the human condition, as each segment explores different themes of love, deceit, and betrayal. The narratives are not only a testament to MacLaine's skill as a multifaceted actress but also a symbol of her talent to effortlessly shine in roles that demand various facets of human emotion.

Peter Sellers and Elspeth March provide stellar performances and lend able support to the striking protagonist portrayed by MacLaine. Sellers, renowned for his comedic prowess, delivers an exceptional performance that perfectly complements the overarching narrative. March, on the other hand, brings gravitas and depth to the anthology, her performance nuances lending more layers to the encapsulating narrative.

Directed by the masterful Vittorio De Sica, who rose to prominence through his Neorealist phase in Italian cinema, the film maintains a fine balance between satire and drama throughout its seven diverse stories. De Sica employs his directorial acumen to create a series of scenarios that engage the viewer while exploring the facets of morality, societal expectations, and human nature in a humorous yet impactful manner.

The screenplay, penned by the prolific Italian screenwriters Cesare Zavattini, Peter Baldwin, and Luisa Montagnana, is witty, engaging, and thought-provoking. Their skilful blend of humor, drama, and satire is a pivotal reason behind the film’s enduring appeal. They articulate the narratives deftly, making each story coherent and engaging. Zavattini, with an established history of working with De Sica, particularly stands out with his intriguing blend of compelling characterization and situational comedy.

The film’s aesthetic beauty cannot be overlooked either. The set designs and costumes reflect the extravagance and mood of the era, adding an authentic feel to the scenes. The cinematography manages to capture the subtle nuances of each short story and articulate it through profound visual cues.

In essence, Woman Times Seven is an engaging exploration of roles, relationships, and the human condition, advancing seven different stories, each centered around a character portrayed by Shirley MacLaine. Peter Sellers and Elspeth March lend their commendable talents to create a riveting cinematic experience.

Masterfully directed by Vittorio De Sica and underlined by a witty and poignant screenplay, Woman Times Seven stands as an anthology film that humorously and artfully scrutinizes aspects of human nature. This film promises a varied narrative that explores both the lighter and darker sides of love, betrayal, and societal norms.

Ensure to enjoy this classic comedy anthology as it takes you on a humorous yet thought-provoking journey through seven different lives, all embodying one central individual, each unlocking a new facet of life, love, and womanhood. A unique amalgamation of comedy, drama, and romance, Woman Times Seven is indeed an extraordinary cinematic sojourn celebrating the multifaceted existence of womanhood.