Dreamy, existential drama primarily that works because of the presence of Isabelle Huppert. She plays Ann, a concert pianist who is betrayed by her lover. By way of retort she sells up and hits the road, intending to 'disappear' and forge a new identity. Her destination is wherever the day takes her, though it turns out to be Italy. This isn't convincing in the least, her idea seems more illusory than a firm commitment, though maybe that's the point. Antonioni pulled off this trick in The Passenger by locating its alienated journalist in Morocco. Ann obliquely refers to this when she observes that "Tangiers is an easy place to disappear in". There are other pleasures the film offers notably the superb performance by Huppert, she's never off-screen during the entire film and you never want her to be.
Review of Villa Amalia
