Today’s quick review: Dark Eyes. While on a boat to Italy, Romano Patroni (Marcello Mastroianni), an Italian architect, tells Pavel (Vsevolod Larianov), a Russian newlywed, the story of his life. Trapped in a stale marriage to Elisa (Silvana Mangano) and dissatisfied with his life of luxury, Romano has an affair with Anna (Yelena Safonova), a married Russian woman. But what was meant to be a brief fling turns into a love that Romano cannot escape.
Dark Eyes is an Italian romantic drama with comedic elements. Marcello Mastroianni stars as Romano, a womanizer and fabulist who finds himself falling in love with an innocent Russian woman. Dark Eyes charts the complicated course of their relationship, from their chance meeting to the impact the affair has on their respective marriages. Skilled acting, comedic flourishes, and a meaningful story make Dark Eyes a rewarding watch for the right viewer.
Dark Eyes is an insightful film that sheds light on the nature of love and humanity. The lynchpin of the film is Romano, a man whose wit and passion make him sympathetic in spite of his many flaws. Over the course of his story, Romano grows from an idle gentleman to an earnest lover, but he struggles with the challenges this brings. Mature writing and a multifaceted story allow Dark Eyes to dissect Romano’s character and the human tendencies he represents.
Dark Eyes will not hold the same appeal for everyone. Its bittersweet romanticism will only resonate with certain viewers, while the insights it has to offer are buried in an elaborate story, requiring the audience to look past Romano’s wistful narration to understand the truth. But for viewers with the right taste, Dark Eyes is a beautiful movie that captures the sweetness and sorrow of love, as well as the subtleties of human nature.
For an even more powerful Italian drama, check out Cinema Paradiso. For a moving dramatic comedy starring Marcello Mastroianni, try Macaroni. For an even more fatalistic Russian tale, try The Twelve Chairs. For a romantic drama with some of the same appeal, try The Notebook.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.0 to 7.5 for insightful writing and skillful performances; your score will vary.