Directed by Armenia Balducci, the 1979 Italian drama Amo non amo (released internationally as Together?) is a fascinating, often overlooked snapshot of late-70s gender politics and emotional ambiguity.
While it features an international cast, it remains deeply rooted in the European “cinema of interiority.” Here is a breakdown of the film for an English-speaking audience.
The Plot: A Modern Woman’s Dilemma
Set against the backdrop of a moody, wintry Rome, the film follows Elizabeth (played by Jacqueline Bisset), a divorced woman trying to navigate the friction between her desire for independence and her need for connection.
She is involved with Andrea (Maximilian Schell), a man who is emotionally distant and often dismissive. As Elizabeth struggles with her career and her young son, she finds herself caught in a cycle of “I love you, I love you not”—an exhausting emotional tug-of-war that explores whether two people can truly be “together” without losing themselves.
Why It Stands Out
-
The Lead Performances: Jacqueline Bisset delivers a grounded, vulnerable performance that carries the film. Her chemistry with Maximilian Schell is intentionally strained, perfectly capturing the “cold” side of a dying romance.
-
A Young Terence Stamp: Fans of cult cinema will appreciate seeing a young, charismatic Terence Stamp in a supporting role, adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative.
-
The Atmosphere: Unlike the sunny, romanticized Rome often seen in travelogues, Balducci’s Rome is gray, quiet, and melancholic, mirroring the internal state of the characters.
-
Ennio Morricone’s Score: The film is elevated significantly by a soundtrack from the legendary Ennio Morricone. His music provides the emotional weight that the sparse dialogue sometimes leaves out.
Critical Context
Amo non amo arrived at a time when feminism was reshaping European cinema. It doesn’t offer easy answers or a “happily ever after.” Instead, it looks at the messy reality of a woman who refuses to settle for a traditional role but hasn’t yet figured out the blueprint for her new life.
It is a “mood piece” in the truest sense—slow-burning, thoughtful, and deeply focused on the small shifts in human behavior.
⇓ DOWNLOAD OPTIONS ⇓
💥💥💥
📂🎞️ Rare Movies Download Folder
🔥🔥🔥
