Think very highly of Michaelangelo Antonioni and most of his films. Maybe not a favourite of mine when it comes to directors, but most of his films range from very good to masterpiece, though a few didn't do much for me (especially 'Zabriskie Point' and 'Beyond the Clouds'), and his importance, appeal and influence is more than understandable. Although he falls more into the appreciate rather than the love category, he is very interesting as is his visual style and his films' themes (some and the way they were explored were ground-breaking).
'Story of a Love Affair', as has been said already, was his first feature film, made during a period where Antonioni was still yet properly to hit his stride. That is not a knock, quite the contrary. His pre-prime (which for me started with 'L'avventura') period was a more than worthwhile one and boasted some fine films, none among his very best or most important/influential but very high in quality and a real achievement for so early on. 'Story of a Love Affair' for me is one of the best of this period, one would find it hard to believe that this was his first film. There are signs of what made his very best films so great, with the concepts and how the camera is used, even if his later films explore their themes in more depth, broadness and more ground-breakingly.
Occasionally, 'Story of a Love Affair' is a touch too focused on the dialogue (being one of the "talkier" Antonioni films from his early period), which on occasions bogs down the pace in the middle.
Can't think of anything else though to criticise. The production values for so early on are remarkably refined and vivid, with a hauntingly dark atmosphere evoked. The photography is beautiful to watch and hugely impressive in terms of techniques, the camera work in the bridge meeting is almost as good as any of the unforgettable shots often talked about when Antonioni was in his prime. The film is assuredly directed by Antonioni, writing more about it am thinking it is hard to believe this was his first feature film when there have been directors (i.e. Stanley Kubrick, regrettably) whose first film was their worst. In Antonioni's case, it was his swan-song that was one of his misfires. He doesn't try to do too much and things never felt heavy-handed either
Despite criticising 'Story of a Love Affair' as a bit too dialogue heavy, the dialogue itself is thought-probing and has much emotional impact. Unlike some other "talky" Antonioni films, like 'Zabriskie Point' and 'Red Desert', it doesn't ramble and doesn't make the reviewer lose interest. The story is a beautiful mix of dark passion, slow-burning suspense and pathos, the romantic element not being over-sweet or slowing things down and instead having real poignancy. The characters may not be rich in development but they are remarkably well balanced, like for example an equally strong male lead, and beautifully acted by especially Lucia Bose. That she didn't make it bigger is sad.
Altogether, a great film debut. 9/10
'Story of a Love Affair', as has been said already, was his first feature film, made during a period where Antonioni was still yet properly to hit his stride. That is not a knock, quite the contrary. His pre-prime (which for me started with 'L'avventura') period was a more than worthwhile one and boasted some fine films, none among his very best or most important/influential but very high in quality and a real achievement for so early on. 'Story of a Love Affair' for me is one of the best of this period, one would find it hard to believe that this was his first film. There are signs of what made his very best films so great, with the concepts and how the camera is used, even if his later films explore their themes in more depth, broadness and more ground-breakingly.
Occasionally, 'Story of a Love Affair' is a touch too focused on the dialogue (being one of the "talkier" Antonioni films from his early period), which on occasions bogs down the pace in the middle.
Can't think of anything else though to criticise. The production values for so early on are remarkably refined and vivid, with a hauntingly dark atmosphere evoked. The photography is beautiful to watch and hugely impressive in terms of techniques, the camera work in the bridge meeting is almost as good as any of the unforgettable shots often talked about when Antonioni was in his prime. The film is assuredly directed by Antonioni, writing more about it am thinking it is hard to believe this was his first feature film when there have been directors (i.e. Stanley Kubrick, regrettably) whose first film was their worst. In Antonioni's case, it was his swan-song that was one of his misfires. He doesn't try to do too much and things never felt heavy-handed either
Despite criticising 'Story of a Love Affair' as a bit too dialogue heavy, the dialogue itself is thought-probing and has much emotional impact. Unlike some other "talky" Antonioni films, like 'Zabriskie Point' and 'Red Desert', it doesn't ramble and doesn't make the reviewer lose interest. The story is a beautiful mix of dark passion, slow-burning suspense and pathos, the romantic element not being over-sweet or slowing things down and instead having real poignancy. The characters may not be rich in development but they are remarkably well balanced, like for example an equally strong male lead, and beautifully acted by especially Lucia Bose. That she didn't make it bigger is sad.
Altogether, a great film debut. 9/10