FREE ON CINEGEEK.De Jean Paul Belmondo - La Viaccia 

Foggy, rainy Florence; we stroll through the narrow streets and piazzettas and end up at Maison Tellier, lovingly re-constructed with its plush curtains and upholstered sofas. A wonderful picturesque charm! But what is behind it? What can still hold our attention today? Quite simple; Claudia Cardinale, who was at the height of her fame in 1961, and Jean-Paul Belmondo, who triggered what was called "Belmondomania" in France. The young star of the Nouvelle Vague! The story goes like this: a young peasant goes to town and falls in love with a girl from the Maison Tellier. He tries to convince her of the depth of his love, takes on degrading jobs. Then it comes to a showdown, a knife fight with a suitor.... Both live in an impoverished society, made greedy and mean by their hardship. The love relationship, however, remains vague. We can never let ourselves fall and feel this love. Perhaps it is also because we always imagine Belmondo casually grinning, always with a cigarette between his teeth, even when he slumps down dead? Do we really believe him as a sad lover? Claudia Cardinale, on the other hand, embodies the ideal woman. She is cool, reassuring, beautiful - but uncritical. She knows no answers. In the end, her Bianca is just as hopeless as everyone else. In the thoughts of the sad lover, however, she transforms into a comforting muse. What love is like.