le mepris

alberto moravia is my second favorite novelist. many of his books have translated really well to the screen. this is the one i go back to again and again.

'il disprezzo' (translated into french 'le mepris' and english 'contempt') might be considered a brigitte bardot film, but actor michel piccoli, who plays her perplexed husband, is one of france's greatest stars. directing them both is creative french new waver jean-luc godard.

piccoli plays a writer who takes a job rewriting scenes for a film version of homer's 'the odyssey.' the megalomaniac producer who wants to complete the film is played by jack palance, an actor who would appear threatening even if cast as a kitten.

bardot, as the writer's moody wife, is more stunning than ever in a super complex portrayal of a woman who has completely lost respect for her husband over something he cannot comprehend. aside from how interesting and original this movie is, one great lesson to be learned is that what seems insignificant to one is not so for another.

the style of this film is perfection. the clothes are how i wish men and women dressed today.