Cronaca di un Amore (Story of a Love Affair) by Antonioni

Michelangelo Antonioni's first narrative feature is a stark, minimal interpersonal film noir that would establish many of the themes and techniques that would recur in his work for the rest of his career: the exploration of failed or failing relationships, the anomie of modern life (in particular of the upper classes), and the formal interest in the architecture of space. Story of a Love Affair centers on the dynamic between Guido (Massimo Girotti) and Paola (Lucia Bosé), two old flames re-igniting their passions for one another. Tabs are being kept on both of the lovers by their current spouses as well as by a private investigator, but even after their pursuers fall out of the picture -- whether due to accidents or disinterest -- Guido and Paola find that their love for each other is waning. Filled with stark, empty compositions, unpredictable camera movements, and static, self-obsessed characters, Story of a Love Affair would mark Antonioni as a maverick among the prevailing neorealists of the post-war Italian film community.

With ethereal B&W photography and accompanying musical score and boasting one of the screen's great beauties, Lucia Bose (1947 Miss Italia), in her prime, this film is a masterpiece.