Lina Wertmüller, a pioneering figure in Italian cinema, is renowned for her bold storytelling and unapologetic exploration of societal issues. One of her lesser-known yet deeply resonant films, “Notte d’estate con profilo greco, occhi a mandorla e odore di basilico” – known abroad as “Summer nights” – encapsulates her distinctive cinematic style while delving into themes of love, passion, and political turmoil.

Released in 1986, the film is set against the backdrop of Italy in the midst of political upheaval. Wertmüller skillfully weaves together a narrative that intertwines the personal struggles of the characters with the larger socio-political landscape of the time. At its core, “Notte d’estate” is a love story, but it is one imbued with complexity and nuance.

The film follows the journey of Fulvia, a strong-willed and passionate woman portrayed by Mariangela Melato, whose performance adds layers of depth to the character.

Fulvia is a wealthy Lombard manager, who kidnaps Beppe Catania (Michele Placido). A Sicilian-Sardinian specialist in seizures, and keeps him in chains waiting for the dizzying ransom. The enterprising lady, however, ends up burning with desire for the wild prisoner. Reducing himself to spend with him, chained and blindfolded, an entire night of unbridled passion. Finally extorted the ransom, while Fulvia compliments of the success with Turi Cantalamessa, his clumsy assistant former CIA agent hooks the car on which he travels to a tow truck. It is the counter-kidnapping devised by the bandit, of which the woman, after the furious passionate experience of the summer night, agreeing to vary in detail the unscrupulous game of the parties.

Wertmüller’s direction is marked by her keen eye for detail and her ability to evoke a sense of time and place. The film’s lush cinematography captures the beauty of the Italian countryside, providing a stark contrast to the violence and turmoil of the political unrest. The use of symbolism, such as the scent of basil permeating the air, adds an additional layer of meaning to the narrative, evoking themes of nostalgia and longing.

One of the most notable aspects of Wertmüller’s depiction of women is her refusal to adhere to stereotypes or conventions. Instead, she presents women who are fully realized individuals, with their own desires, flaws, and contradictions. Whether they are aristocrats, revolutionaries, or working-class women, Wertmüller’s characters defy categorization, embodying a range of personalities and motivations.

At its heart, “Notte d’estate con profilo greco, occhi a mandorla e odore di basilico” is a testament to Wertmüller’s ability to blend the personal, social and political. In a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Through its compelling characters and richly layered narrative, the film invites viewers to reflect on the enduring themes of love and the pursuit of justice. Wertmüller’s work remains as relevant and captivating as ever, a testament to the enduring power of cinema to illuminate the human experience.

Watch the whole movie on www.movieitalyplus.com

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