A Musical Suite from MALENA (2000), by Ennio Morricone

Audio Description

My new video from the Italian (Sicilian) film MALENA, starring Monica Bellucci and Giuseppe Sulfaro, in his first role. Magnificently directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, and with a beautiful score by Ennio Morricone, MALENA tells the story of a young bride who moves to her husband's town, just as he is called off to fight in WW II. Her great beauty sparks speculation and fantasy from the town's men, as well as envy from its women - and with the film's progression, the crowds that surround her become larger and more bloodthirsty. Her life begins to unravel as she first learns of her husband's assumed death, followed by the tragic death of her father after an air attack by the Nazi's. Desperate times are met with desperate measures, until all that is learned from war is how brutally to attack the human spirit. And with this, Malèna flees for her life! Her husband then returns from war, and in looking for Malèna, finds that she is all but lost to him forever. But even in this harsh and bitter reality, the gesture of a shy and tender-hearted young boy changes the course of their lives forever, a course that would take great and profound courage: “Dear Signor Scordia, Forgive me if I don't have the courage to speak man to man. These last months have taught me much about courage, even if I have found little myself. I'm the only one who knows the truth about your wife. Around here, they only say bad things about her. But believe me, your wife Malèna was faithful to you. You are the only man she loved - this is the honest truth! It is true, a lot of things happened, but back then you were thought dead a long time. The last time I saw her, she was on a train for Messina. Best of luck! I should sign 'a friend' like all anonymous letters, but my name is … Renato.” Please note: I do not own the rights to any of this material. It was created purely for entertainment and educational purposes, and with great admiration for the creators of the original film.