Welcome, dear readers, to this week’s Sunday Morning Movie feature. Today, we delve into a compelling story woven with themes of love and anarchism in Libera, Amore Mio:
Next week, we’ll shift gears with the film Il Sospetto:
Let’s take a look at some reviews for Libera, Amore Mio:
Letterboxd comments:
“Claudia Cardinale, our Tunisian anarchist non-hierarchical icon!!
This film stands out as one of the finest portrayals of anarchism, especially within the Italian context. It highlights the crucial role that Italian anarchists played in liberating Italy from fascism, while also addressing the complex issues surrounding state governance in the aftermath of fascism’s decline. Notably, it examines how ex-fascists were reintegrated into the government across Europe, Japan, South America, and the US. These themes are explored precisely when most films would offer resolution.”“Bolognini expertly intertwines naturalist reportage with unconventional framing in scenes depicting state violence. His use of camera angles, particularly top-down perspectives, serves to illuminate character viewpoints and architectural significance. The stark contrast between the brutalist architecture of Italy and Cardinale’s iconic red dress critiques the state’s pervasive nature, even amidst post-war socialist policies, as exemplified in the film’s final scene, which underscores that fascist collaborators continued to wield influence. It raises profound questions about the state’s so-called benevolence operating within such ideological constraints.”
“In this film, important questions arise: What should be done with defeated fascists? How is democracy distinct from anarchism, and in what ways can democracy be restrictive? These are tackled with a thoughtfulness reminiscent of Zurluni, though Bolognini approaches them with a unique emotional resonance.”
“One of Cardinale’s most exquisitely crafted roles, portraying a formidable woman navigating political turmoil in early 20th-century Italy. Bolognini immerses himself in social commentary, taking viewers from a light-hearted beginning to a dramatically charged conclusion, yet both segments feel distinctly Italian. With more polished editing, this could have been a timeless classic!”
My perspective:
Libera, Amore Mio is a riveting exploration of a life steeped in radical politics. Cardinale delivers a stunning performance, radiating intelligence and fervor. The director skillfully balances humor with gravity, reflecting the complexities of real life. The film serves as an insightful exploration of anarchist thought. While it’s a remarkable piece, it may only resonate once for me: ⭐.
Director: Mauro Bolognini
Writers: Nicola Badalucco, Mauro Bolognini, Luciano Vincenzoni
Plot Summary (Spoilers Ahead!):
Libera, a young Italian anarchist, bears the scars of her childhood when she witnessed her father’s brutal arrest by the police. This traumatic event shapes her rebellious spirit.
Defying the expectations of women in her society, she openly challenges the burgeoning Fascist forces, drawing their wrath.
As she flees from town to town to evade persecution, her life becomes increasingly tumultuous. Her husband is at his breaking point, and a local Fascist entity makes matters worse by raiding their home.
Despite the challenges, she remains a committed anarchist, witnessing the downfall of Fascism in Italy. However, fate is unkind, and she ultimately falls victim to a rogue Fascist sniper at the film’s conclusion.
***
Additional Features:
Fats Waller: Ain’t Misbehavin’ 1930s & 1940s Jazz (Past Perfect)
1. 00:00:00 Fats Waller – Everybody Loves My Baby
2. 00:03:00 Fats Waller – Cheatin’ On Me
3. 00:06:16 Fats Waller – It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie
4. 00:09:14 Fats Waller – When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful
5. 00:12:57 Fats Waller – You’re Gonna Be Sorry
6. 00:16:30 Fats Waller – Yacht Club Swing
7. 00:19:36 Fats Waller – The Sheik Of Araby
8. 00:22:26 Fats Waller – Twenty-Four Robbers
9. 00:25:15 Fats Waller – Come Down To Earth, My Angel
10. 00:28:29 Fats Waller – Carolina Shout
11. 00:30:51 Fats Waller – Smoke Dreams Of You
12. 00:33:51 Fats Waller – I Wish I Were Twins
13. 00:36:36 Fats Waller – Got A Bran’ New Suit
14. 00:39:12 Fats Waller – Stop Pretending
15. 00:42:24 Fats Waller – Clarinet Marmalade
16. 00:45:10 Fats Waller – Don’t Let It Bother You
17. 00:48:06 Fats Waller – Blue, Turning Grey, Over You
18. 00:52:34 Fats Waller – African Ripples
19. 00:55:47 Fats Waller – My Very Good Friend The Milkman
20. 00:59:22 Fats Waller – The Curse Of An Aching Heart
21. 01:01:55 Fats Waller – Shortnin’ Bread
22. 01:04:41 Fats Waller – The Jitterbug Waltz
23. 01:08:06 Fats Waller – Your Feet’s Too Big
24. 01:11:15 Fats Waller – Old Grand Dad
25. 01:14:05 Fats Waller – Ain’t Misbehavin’ (band)
The Sex Pistols – Live at Winterland (1/14/1978) | The Final Concert
This is it. The culmination of an era. Watch the complete performance of The Sex Pistols recorded live at the Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, on January 14, 1978. This infamous concert marked the band’s last show during their ill-fated US tour and was tragically the final performance featuring Sid Vicious before they disbanded shortly thereafter.
This set encapsulates the raw, chaotic energy that characterized the original punk movement. In front of 5,000 intrigued audience members, The Sex Pistols deliver an electrifying set teeming with the tension, indifference, and aggression that made them the most contentious band of their time. This footage is a crucial testament to the end of punk rock history.
Setlist:
0:00:00 – God Save The Queen
0:04:13 – I Wanna Be Me
0:08:19 – I’m A Lazy Sod
0:10:42 – New York
0:14:25 – EMI
0:18:09 – Belsen Was A Gas
0:20:22 – Bodies
0:25:15 – Holidays In The Sun
0:29:19 – Liar
0:34:15 – No Feelings
0:37:18 – Problems
0:41:56 – Pretty Vacant
0:45:14 – Anarchy In The UK
0:49:00 – No Fun
The Classic (and Final) Lineup:
🎤 Johnny Rotten (John Lydon): Lead Vocals
🎸 Steve Jones: Guitar, Backing Vocals
🎸 Sid Vicious: Bass Guitar
🥁 Paul Cook: Drums
The Smiths – The Queen Is Dead (1986) (Full Album)
Credit: The Smiths
Label: Warner Records
0:00 01. The Queen Is Dead
6:26 02. Frankly, Mr. Shankly
8:45 03. I Know It’s Over
14:33 04. Never Had No One Ever
18:10 05. Cemetery Gates
20:51 06. Bigmouth Strikes Again
24:07 07. The Boy With the Thorn in His Side
27:26 08. Vicar in a Tutu
29:48 09. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
33:52 10. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
Zeno, Infinite Divisibility, & Indivisibility
This clip features Richard Sorabji discussing whether space is infinitely divisible or composed of indivisible units. He explores various challenges associated with each perspective, including a famous paradox attributed to Zeno of Elea. This excerpt is taken from a talk presented by Richard Sorabji in 2003 at Gresham College on the finitude of space.
00:00 Infinite Divisibility
08:14 Atoms of Space
Revising Logic – Graham Priest
A re-upload of Graham Priest’s talk on revising logic, delivered during a conference on paradox and logical revision at the University of Munich in 2012.
Ernest Nagel on Computers, Logic, & Mind (1962)
A series of clips featuring Dr. Ernest Nagel discussing the interplay between logic, computers, and human consciousness.
Sabin Balasa – The Galaxy (1973)
Animation of Sabin Balasa’s painting, “The Galaxy” (1973) Visit the artist’s website
Sabin Balasa – The Phoenix Bird (1968)