Rent The Unknown Woman (2006)

La sconosciuta. - The Unknown Woman review by NP

Giuseppe Tornatore’s film is so intense that it requires attention throughout. At two hours of running time, that can be a challenge. There is so much going on, so many richly directed scenes and beautifully acted characters, that it’s not easy to look away – and if perhaps 10-15 minutes had been shaved from the film’s length, that might aid the concentration.

As it is, the story of Irena’s struggles, her mission and the extraordinary lengths her enemies go to in order to condemn her, is a true rollercoaster. I would single out Kseniya Rappoport for her amazing performance, but the truth is, everyone here plays their part perfectly. Perhaps mention should go to Michele Placido for ensuring the vile Muffa is as horrible as possible, and Clara Dossena for her appealing performance as Thea.

At times, Ennio Morricone’s score is a little overbearing. It’s everywhere, in every scene, either in the background or pushed to the fore. Ultimately, though, it helps make ‘An Unknown Woman’ what it is – a brutal, heart-breaking, and at times challenging experience that, by the end, guaranteed that this viewer’s bottom lip was trembling a little. My score is 8 out of 10.