Category | Arts & Living

Romantic film makes viewers relate to their own lives

Published on November 10, 2009 by Earnest Aaron

The Cinema Society (CS) met Nov. 3 to watch “White Nights,” an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s book by the same title. The movie, as directed by Luchino Visconti, premiered in Italy under its original title “Le Notti Bianche.”

“This club is for those who appreciate great movies and those who are interested in meeting others who have an interest in film. We watch everything from classical to main stream,” said Samantha Casto, the CS public relations agent.

The movie is a tragic love story as it begins with a young girl named Natalia, who falls in love with Lodger, an older man. Lodger later has to leave but says he will return within a year. Natalia waits a year but Lodger still has not returned and the film’s true protagonist, Mario, saves her from being raped and quickly falls in love with her.

While spending time together, Natalia recounts to Mario her tragic story of love, she then convinces him to send a letter to Lodger. However, Mario breaks his promise and destroys the letter, later revealing the intensity of his love for Natalia. Eventually, Mario takes her on a gondolier ride where he informs Natalia that this is how he wants to propose to her.

As in most romantic movies, an act of nature is introduced-in this story, snow begins to fall. The two lovers play in the snow, enjoying their time until they arrive at the bridge where Natalia’s first love left her. Upon arriving, Lodger stands on the bridge a year later as he had promised. Natalia quickly runs to him, leaving Mario behind. Natalia walks back to Mario but only to tell him how strong her feelings still are for Lodger. Mario is left alone to wander the streets and the movie ends shortly thereafter.

After the viewing of “White Nights,” the group held a discussion so that everyone could share their thoughts and ideas on the movie.

“He tricks you into thinking it will all work out but in the end it hits you,” CS president Daniel Singleton said of Visconti’s direction.

In particular, guests shared their opinions on how Luchino Visconti changes the setting of the movie- in Dostoevsky’s book, the story takes place in spring, whereas Visconti chose to set his film during the wintertime. The discussion later moved to the characters and how well the actors portrayed them.

Singleton said, “It’s like they’re obsessed and their need for someone to say ‘I love you’ is making them see things that are not there.”  His comment provoked a conversation on how the movie allows viewers to relate back to their own lives.

Most members who experienced this connection thought that the movie brought up some memory or a time in which they have rushed into love like the film’s Natalia and Mario.

The club meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. in room 1079 of the social science building.