Voce umana

This 30-minute film directed by Sophia Loren's son is an intimate look into an hour (and five years) of a woman's life. The film, from a Jean Cocteau story, was made with both Anna Magnani in 1948 and with Ingrid Bergman in 1966, so Loren has two tough acts to follow. She does so with an exquisite portrayal of a woman with barely- controlled despair as she talks on the phone with her lover who is marrying another woman the next day.

The drama takes place in the woman's bedroom, where she talks with her lover in phone calls repeatedly interrupted or cut off and then begun again. The collapse of her world and the emptiness entering her life are sharply contrasted with the meal her maid is making in the next room, a traditional parmigiana that Loren and her lover had shared each week. Thrown out of the routine of her five-year love affair, Loren sinks into depression as the routine of the meal that will not be eaten continues in the background.

It's a stunning little film, and at 79-years-old, Loren is totally convincing as a woman who is probably supposed to be much younger in the film. Just like other signature Loren film portrayals--notably in Marriage Italian Style and Two Women, it is very hard to take one's eyes off of her--not just because she was beautiful but because she is an actress who can say so much with inflection, a turn of her chin, the movement of her hand.

It's impossible not to be captured by Sophia Loren's performance. She certainly retains her earthy beauty at the age of seventy-nine. And, although this movie is less than thirty minutes long, Ms. Loren is still able to perform a wide range of heartfelt emotions that draw in the viewer. At the end, one wishes this film were longer. Although I don't speak Italian, I love listening to this beautiful language, especially as spoken by the ultimate professional that is Ms. Loren. I also liked the "small" roles such as that of the maid. The maid was perfectly cast and her veal parmigiana looked delicious. Also, bravo to the director, Mr. Ponti. I highly recommend this film.

This was a real treat for me. I didn't previously realize, before watching Sophia Loren's interview about 'A Special Day' (both that interview and 'Human Voice' are extras on The Criterion Collection release for that film) that this was a beloved role and film that actresses, as they got older, wanted to perform. I also didn't know about this play, despite being a Jean Cocteau enthusiast. This is the first film I have seen directed by Ponti, the son of Loren and the famous producer, Carlo Ponti. His work here is top-notch, especially the cinematography, and I can't for the life of me believe that Loren is 79-80 years old when this was filmed. I don't know her secret Fountain of Youth, but I for one will definitely have what she's having, as we tend to say. I exquisitely hope this isn't the last we've seen of the legendary thespian, but it's definitely worthy of, as she said in the aforementioned interview, the third-best performance she feels she has ever made.

Human Voice (2014)

*** (out of 4)

Angela (Sophia Loren) is at home waiting for the love of her life to show up. She receives a phone call from him stating that he isn't coming and in fact he's leaving her for another woman.

This twenty-five minute short is based on the story by Jean Ccocteau and was directed by Loren's son. This here was a dream project for the legendary actress and she certainly gives it her all and delivers one of the strongest performances of her career. Considering how long of a career she's had, it's saying something special that Loren would give such a strong performance at this stage of her career.

This is basically all Loren's show since we never actually see or hear the lover. We basically see Loren talking and reacting on the phone as her heart breaks as the fear of being alone quickly hits her. Loren goes through a wide range of emotions and it's truly something beautiful to watch. She comes across as that strong Italian woman and then shows a certain vulnerability within seconds.

Edoardo Ponti does a very good job handling the sensitive material and Rodrigo Prieto's cinematography perfectly captures the beauty of the locations.

Loren's son again on the search for prestigious parts for his mother to 'shine' no matter how inappropriate. This isn't right for her. She is far too old for this part. Watch Ingrid Bergman's performance from 1967 and you will see the difference.

Loren's son again on the search for prestigious parts for his mother to 'shine' no matter how inappropriate. This isn't right for her. She is far too old for this part. Watch Ingrid Bergman's performance from 1967 and you will see the difference.

Loren's son again on the search for prestigious parts for his mother to 'shine' no matter how inappropriate. This isn't right for her. She is far too old for this part. Watch Ingrid Bergman's performance from 1967 and you will see the difference.