La virtù sdraiata

This film is very difficult to see, but I managed to on TCM and was glad I did. Not that its all that good, but I found it worthwhile just because it was so very unusual for its director. Like others have commented, if you saw this with no knowledge who made it, I don't believe anyone would be able to guess Sidney Lumet was the director. This is a completely European film in style and content. Some beautiful cinematography and lovely Italian locations are the main recommendations, also a supporting performance by Lotte Lenya as a procuress. Her character is not all that evil, despite her admission that she was a fascist and supporter of Mussolini, but no other actress could so effortlessly bring a touch of the sinister than Lenya did just by showing up. The main problem with Sharif and Aimee is that, other than not being the most expressive of actors (though they sure look good), their characters just plain do not act like real people would - they both seem damaged and the screenplay makes them behave in ways that make one long to slap them both. Still, I enjoyed the leisurely pace and 60's fashions and ambiance enough to be glad of the opportunity to see this warped love story.