Synopsis
Come Undone (original title: Cosa voglio di più) is a 2010 Italian film, a romantic drama directed by Silvio Soldini. The film tells a gripping story of deeply felt passion revolving two love and relationships set in the context of destructive, forbidden adult romance. Come Undone, which is set in contemporary Milan, analyzes the life of a seemingly content woman who, after crossing paths with a stranger, becomes engulfed with feelings of passion, guilt, and self-discovery.
Anna (Alba Rohrwacher) is a woman in her fifties who is moderately thriving. She is employed at an insurance company and shares a house with a supportive partner, Alessio (Giuseppe Battiston). The man seems to be affectionate, and eager to build a family, something that Anna should be grateful for. On the surface, everything seems alright, but one can suspect profound emotional stagnation as an undercurrent in their relationship routine, and indeed, Anna quite clearly seems bothered by the monotony defining her life.
The moment Anna encounters in Pierfrancesco’s portrayal, Domenico, a sophisticated and self-assured manager of catering services, everything changes. The attraction is instantaneous and uncanny. An apparently harmless encounter rapidly transforms into a fervid affair which shatters the fragile equilibrium of their lives. Just like Anna, Domenico is married with children. The wedded life of Domenico seems perfectly normal to the outside, and their wife has no clue about the intimacy which is starting to spiral out of control and has the potential to undo everything they have known.
Anna is forced to navigate two contrasting worlds, her life with Alessio is routine and predictable yet Duton awakens the compelling, spontaneous side to her personality that draws her towards him. A captivating alternative that sizzles with unpredictability. Initially serving as a broken diversion, it slowly escalates into an addiction that neither her nor him is equipped to cope with.
Domenico and Anna become dependent on each other more than ever, fueling one another’s need with increasing frequency and complexity, spiraling down an unsustainable path all while facing a complete emotional break. The film does not employ any form of drama nor does it try to sensationalize the conflict. Rather, keeps everything authentic while the dilemma, emotions, and tensions unfold.
Anna’s inner struggles become the focus of the story. Her affection towards Domenico intensifies alongside guilt and tensions of her disposition. As she distances herself from Alessio, she comes to the painful understanding that the relationship with Domenico is equally precarious. He too has family ties, and although he talks of love and life together, reality is continuously yanking them back to the messy details of their double lives.
The turning point of the film is understated yet heart-wrenching. Following one’s heart as Anna does suggests abandoning those who love her. There are complex and multi-faceted concepts at hand during the resolution without providing tidy solutions. Viewers struggle to grapple with questions such as what is desire, compromise, and to what extent can one lay claim to happiness.
Cast & Crew
Alba Rohrwacher as Anna
Alba encompasses the character of Anna with fierce restraint whilst still feeling emotionally, which proves to be a deeply touching performance. Having to grapple between balancing responsibilities and a myriad of bodily needs for sustenance showcases inner turmoil and vulnerability which she was able to capture. Rohrwacher manages to give a multi-dimensional performance instead of pigeonholed into a cliché. Anna’s character is not easy to mold but is relatable due to the nuances that Rohrwacher’s subtle expressions provide.
Pierfrancesco Favino as Domenico
Domenico’s character is brought to life by Favino’s charm and complexity. Despite not being the model villain, he is a deeply flawed man who has made mistakes. Their chemistry feels real, and Gemeos balanced headspace captures a man passionately torn by both desire and duty.
Giuseppe Battiston as Alessio
Battiston plays the role of Alessio with tenderness and depth. Anna’s partner, loving, and well-meaning, adds another layer to the loss she risks facing. He joins the ensemble demonstrating compassion in a role that could easily be overpowered due to the drama surronding the lead characters.
Teresa Saponangelo as Miriam (Domenico’s wife)
Wife of Domenico, Saponangelo steps in to assume the role of the bewildered spouse. Although she is not the central character, her reactions anchor the story in moral significance. Saponangelo brings dignity to the part while multiplying the emotional harm inflicted through the affair.
Director: Silvio Soldini
Silvio Soldini comes to life not only as the director, but also the script writer and editor, crafting every single detail of his character driven films with elegance. In his work Come Undone he focuses on the aftermath of infidelity, capturing deeply intriguing feelings of sorrow, piquing the audience’s interest. The result is an almost voyeuristic feeling where the audience witnesses the erosion of personal space and boundaries along with the emotional toll of pursuing overpowering love.
Writers: Doriana Leondeff and Silvio Soldini
The writing by Soldini and Leondeff is masterful in its subtlety, avoiding melodrama, and allowing the audience to navigate the emotional depths of the film. The dialogue is believable and the pauses between the conversations carry more meaning than actual speech.
Cinematography: Ramiro Civita
The cinematography captures both the metropolitan hustle of Milan and the more personal, intimate spaces of the affair in a naturalistic style that is both evocative and delicate. Use of lighting and framing works to evoke the emotion of the scene, rather than drawing excessive attention to themselves.
Music: Giovanni Venosta
Venosta’s score for the film is soft and melancholic, perfectly mirroring the emotional struggles of the characters throughout the film.
Themes and Analysis
Come Undone is more than just a tale of infidelity; it explores unfulfilled desires, the search for purpose, and embodies the sanctity of human feelings. While the film does not provide any moral judgement, it welcomes the audience into the psychological maze of the characters.
In its attempt to depict the emotional reality closely, the film shows its remarkable depth. Adult relationships tend to get messy, with no clear, black and white answers. The character of Anna does not get vilified or romanticized. Rather, her motivations are deeply human and make sense – a yearning for more passion and something to invigorate the otherwise drab daily life.
Societal expectations versus an individual’s fulfillment is another issue showcased in this film. Responsibility bounds Anna and Domenico as they both have families. Their affair makes them face the difference between fantasy and reality, as well as the consequences when those lines get blurred.
The storyline is complemented by Silvio Soldini’s portrayal of Milan. The city is loud and impersonal compared to the private word of the lovers, which serves as a haven while they remain strangers to their surroundings and themselves.
Conclusion
The combination of betrayal, love, and a woman’s life slowly spiraling out of control can best describe Come Undone. The film avoids clichés and presents a story that is both specific and universal through strong performances, subtle direction, and a deep commitment to realism. It is a nuanced and emotionally honest work art.
The film offers no easy speculation or intense head-on clashes. Rather, it shows the audience a mirror, which reflects the intricacies of life along with profound intersections of our desires and the repercussions of those desires. Come Undone exhibits emotional intelligence that is sobering, and, while it sustains the audience’s contemplation post-screening, it impacts the viewers which few films can.
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