La maîtresse légitime

If you foreign movie buffs have not seen this one, rent it immediately. It is amazingly well done, definitely memorable, and it's hard to believe that I am only the third person to comment. A young "frail" married girl who is loved but protected by those around her discovers herself and her passionate nature upon the disappearance of her husband. Determined to discover what happened to her husband she sets off in his horse and buggy to cover his route. Luckily for her, the horse is well versed in the stops her husband made along the way. Unwittingly she learns about her husband's many sensual encounters and finds that the knowledge is causing her own passionate nature to stir. As her paradigm shifts, she opens her arms to new experiences, each one taking her a closer step toward womanhood and a full understanding of what a man and woman can mean to each other. Wait! That's just one story in this film. The overlying story is about the husband who has gone into hiding immediately across the street from his own home and desperately watches his wife's transformation from the slats of a boarded window. The story is well weaved together and it is beautiful to watch. The cobblestone roads, the clothing, the landscape, the church and just about everything in this movie makes it a masterpiece. There is even a side storyline that has a bit of shock value - you will know it when you see it! Go see this film and then come back and tell me what you thought!

I was very pleasantly surprised by this film which I just watched. From the title and cover description, I was expecting a typical raunchy sex flick which I'd have to turn off after 5 minutes.

But, ... from the very first note of the introductory musical piece, I was engrossed. The story was very real with an emotional pull and the musical score was excellent, complimenting the beautifully photographed film. The story itself is an interesting reflection of society in that time and leaves the viewer thinking after the film has ended.

Don't hesitate to see this one if you want something beyond the typical dribble of today.!

Being old, 66, I have seen thousands of movies and films. (My mom was a true film buff. On Sundays, we often went to two or three movies - each at a different theater!) Out of all the films I have seen, this is my favorite. If you are looking for an action film, this is not it. It runs to slow and thoughtful. It also is a bit of a 'woman's film'; even a film of women's equality (without being blatant or giving any lectures on the subject). It is a film for romantics and. .. those who love Italy. Just thinking of the scenes makes me want to return. I have never been to the little town/ village or the countryside where it was filmed, and I still want to go there. Perhaps next year. ..?

Laura Antonelli is perfect in the leading part, as is Marcello. I do not understand how this film "SLIPPED THRU THE CRACKS". The acting, photography and direction are all exceptionally fantastic. I am going to hook up my old tape player and watch it again tonight! If you can find it - watch it. It is a true sorrow that it has it NOT been released on CD!! IT SHOULD BE!!

~Charon

It's been decades since I've seen this. I watched it several times in the 80s as I would insist on friends seeing it. SO beautiful. Not just Antonelli who is a remarkable creature, but even the carriage she travels in-all details exquisite! Wonderful story.

Like the other reviewer, can't imagine how or why this movie is not a classic always available!

I can not understand why so few people have seen or commented on this film. I`ve seen both the subtitled and the dubbed version and think this may well be Mastroianni's best work. The film runs a very difficult twin course of voyeurism and a woman's sexual and personal awakening.

Early on in the film, Mastroianni's character is forced into hiding across the street from his shut-in wife, who is unaware of where her husband is hiding. As Marcello's character slowly fades in strength and in conviction, his heretofore frigid, hypochondriac wife slowly becomes her missing husband-- taking over his business, his habits, his thoughts, and eventually even his mistress. The change is all the more striking because Marcello watches the change, peeping through her window. As she gains in strength and confidence, he loses both, realizing that his life had been based on lies. The film is lushly filmed with an amazing score. Did I mention that the actresses in the movie are stunningly beautiful? While most would probably pronounce 8 1/2 or La Dolca Vita as the best Italian films ever made, I`d vote for WifeMistress.