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1. Monica Vitti: The Life and Career of a Legendary Actress
2. The Early Years in the Film Industry
3. A Collaboration with Michelangelo Antonioni
4. Success and Aftermath
5. The Last Years

Monica Vitti: The Life and Career of a Legendary Actress

Monica Vitti, born Maria Luisa Ceciarelli, was born on November 3, 1931, in Rome, Italy. Growing up in a poor family, Vitti felt neglected by her parents, who focused more on her older brothers. Despite her challenging upbringing, she developed a passion for acting and pursued admission to the National Academy of Dramatic Art.

However, her first attempt to enter the academy was met with rejection. The teachers claimed that her vocal cords were weak and sent her home. Determined to prove herself, Vitti sought the help of a sympathetic doctor who issued a certificate declaring her voice healthy. With this document in hand, she was finally accepted into the academy.

The Early Years in the Film Industry

Vitti's time at the academy proved to be a challenging period. Due to financial constraints, she often went hungry, surviving on a single sandwich with cheese and onions each day. Additionally, she struggled with insecurities about her appearance, feeling overshadowed by her more conventionally attractive classmates.

During this time, Vitti adopted the stage name Monica Vitti and began performing in theater productions. However, her true desire was to make it in the film industry. Despite being told by agents that she would never achieve fame due to her unconventional looks, Vitti persisted and landed her first minor role in the film "Hop, Skip, and Jump" (1954).

A Collaboration with Michelangelo Antonioni

Vitti's life took a dramatic turn in 1957 when she was invited to dub the voice of English actress Dorian Gray in Michelangelo Antonioni's film "The Cry." Despite hearing stories of Antonioni's stubbornness and arrogance, their first encounter dispelled Vitti's fears. They met in the editing room during a short break, and Antonioni expressed his admiration for her distinctive voice. He attended one of her theater performances and declared that her face was what he had been searching for.

This meeting sparked a great love story between Vitti and Antonioni, as well as a creative partnership that would produce several remarkable films. Antonioni became Vitti's mentor, lover, father figure, and director, guiding her in various aspects of her life. However, their work together was not without its challenges. Antonioni's commitment to his art often meant that Vitti had to put her needs aside, creating a strain on their relationship.

Success and Aftermath

Vitti's breakthrough came in 1960 with Antonioni's film "L'Avventura," which brought her immense fame and critical acclaim. Her performances in the subsequent films of Antonioni's "alienation trilogy," including "La Notte" (1961) and "Eclipse" (1962), solidified her status as an international star.

However, after the completion of their final film together, "Red Desert" (1964), Antonioni left Vitti for British actress Vanessa Redgrave. The betrayal devastated Vitti, particularly because it undermined her professional relationship with Antonioni. Despite her subsequent success in other films, Vitti could never surpass the heights she had reached alongside Antonioni.

In the years that followed, Vitti continued to work in the film industry, playing a variety of roles with varying success. While films like "Modesty Blaise" (1966) failed to resonate with audiences, her final film appearance in "Flirt" (1983) earned her a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

The Last Years

For over a decade, Vitti has battled with severe health issues, although she remains unaware of her condition due to her deteriorating mental state. Today, the once-iconic actress lives in a world of fantasy, where she and Antonioni are the only inhabitants. Despite the challenges and setbacks she faced, Monica Vitti's legacy as a legendary actress lives on, forever intertwined with the work of Michelangelo Antonioni.