Bella babe

It's a sad fate for such a beautiful movie. "Malena" is the lonely little Italian film stuffed all the way down the hall in Theater 12, with nothing but a pathetic home-printed sign to lead the way. It's a film that deserves much better, and certainly the Academy thought so too. For in a year clouded with hot-shot Hollywood flicks, "Malena" stood out in categories such as best cinematography and best original score. Due recognitions indeed. "Malena" is such a beautiful film to watch. The only flaw is that some of those shots don't last entirely long enough.\nThe movie spans a period of four years within a young adolescent boy's life at a time of Fascist rule in Sicily. And as if there was no war to keep multiple minds occupied, the Sicilian citizens' thoughts swarm around Malena, the town beauty. She's a mystery to everyone around her and therefore an unreal image, viewed as a sex object rather than a person. Since the men can't have her, and the women can't be her, cruel rumors and stories circulate to demean the innocent young woman. The love story lies with the young boy, Renato, who becomes so obsessed with lust for Malena that he dares to look closer and falls more so in love with her purity.\nBut the plot in "Malena" doesn't just dwell within a fanciful coming-of-age story. Director-writer Giuseppe Tornatore creates a stirring blend of emotions, from Renato's comic mishaps to Malena's brutally tragic downfall. Within this kaleidoscope of visual beauty and emotional depth is actress Monica Bellucci who, while strikingly lovely, provides substance in a role that doesn't just call for her to stand and look pretty.\n"Malena" will no doubt be leaving Bloomington soon, unless The Ryder is smart enough to pick it up. I was among a crowd of four in my viewing, but "Malena" is a stunning piece of work that deserves a larger audience and certainly a longer theatrical run.