Excavating life with 'Malena'
Samodh THAVEESHA
To be born beautiful is wonderful! But beauty sometimes ruins the
happiness and drags you into some tough times. Beauty is not something
that is always highly appreciated; it is also cynically envied as well.
But still 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever'. So is Italian director
Giuseppe Tornatore's 'Malena'.
Screened in 2001, 'Malena' raised a lot of eyebrows all over the
world for its explicit sexual content. It went under the throne several
times as some countries banned it and a lot others cut it heavily. These
steps made 'Malena' a controversial one and it became a subject of
constant discussion. Meanwhile, it got nominated for the award of Best
Foreign Language Film in Golden Globe Awards.
Obsession with love
The day Italy entered World War II also becomes a memorable day for
Renato Amoroso, a 13 year old youngster as his eyes catch Malena Scordia
for the first time. Malena is a very beautiful young woman married to
Nino Scordia who has gone abroad to serve Italy in the war. Almost at
his first glance at her, Renato develops an infatuation with her.
Thereafter he stalks after Malena whenever he can and makes a point to
pass her, almost breathing her aura. He gets so obsessed with her that
he dreams of her every time in spite of his father's constant beatings,
and even fantasizes her.
Because of her enchanting figure and preoccupied quietness, Malena
soon gets herself exposed to sharp tongues of women and lustful eyes of
men. Rumours about her fly all over the town although she keeps her
chastity.
In the middle of one of his voyeuristic acts, Renato watches Malena
embraces her wedding photograph and dances quietly in her house. From
then, his notion of Malena transforms and he develops a great respect
for her. He desperately tries to get old enough to safeguard her. His
struggle to achieve physical maturity is clearly shown as he changes his
short pants into trousers.
Further disaster
News arrives that Malena's husband was killed in war. Malena quietly
bears up the loss and it gives wings to the rumours of her. Her father
dies next as a result of an enemy attack. Malena is left to fend for
herself. She is also brought before the court accused for committing
adultery, but gets proved guiltless. Then shop women refuse to sell her
edibles and this helplessness only leaves Malena to give away herself to
prostitution to get food. Renato was deeply hurt for her plight, but his
inhibition as a teenager deprives him of professing his love to her. USA
troupes enter Italy and save people from the iron hand of Fascism. Women
strip off Malena, humiliate, beat and cut her hair in public. Renato
witnesses everything in anguish and watches her move to Menissa by
train.
Nino Scordia, who was reported dead in the battle, returns to the
town in search of Malena, injured. Renato ensures him of her fidelity
and directs him to find her. Some years pass and now Renato is engaged
to a young girl. Suddenly taking everyone by surprise, Malena returns
with her husband, much to the delight of Renato and to the amazement of
the townspeople. The film ends in an ambivalent optimism as Malena is
treated respectfully by women. The heartbreaking final scene enables
Renato to help and convey good wishes to Malena as she drops her
tomatoes after shopping. After some years, Renato recalls the
everlasting emotional impact Malena's mettle had on him even though he
has fallen in love several times with many girls.
All's well that ends well
'Malena' is a majestic portrait of a woman's devotion, courage, pain
and emotional trauma which is unspoken throughout the film.
Malena is at last well-rewarded by winning the love she has lost and
the respect she has never got. The movie portrays the potentialities and
unsurpassed human strengths of people living under very difficult
war-torn periods. 'Malena' would act as a blessing to people who suffer
numerous hardships and would lift them to face life.
'Malena' will surely be a new inspiration to the Sri Lankan film fan.
It is a not only a piece of towering artistry, but also an intimate and
evocative embodiment of love, sensuality, courage, devotion and memories
we cherish throughout our lives. A delicious Italian feast waiting for
both your brain and soul! |
