"L'Eclisse" is an Italian film made in 1962, starring Monica Vitti and Alain Delon, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. The soundtrack to the movie is by Giovanni Fusco, who also did the music for Alain Resnais'"Hiroshima, Mon Amour," as well for other Antonioni films. About a week ago I saw "L'Eclisse, " and I loved the soundtrack. I located a copy very recently, and I'm very impressed with Fusco's music. The music is so much of the visuals, but here, I try to not think of the film, and just focus on the music.
On this album, we get six versions of Mina's "Eclisse Twist." One in Italian (of course), French, Spanish, English, an instrumental, and a slow-downed version. That alone is worth the price of the album. The additional greatness is Fusco's moody music that is minimal and dramatic. While listening to Fusco's music, it reminded me of Angelo Badalamenti's work with David Lynch. Perhaps due to the juxtaposition of a rock n' roll tune ("Eclisse Twist") with Fusco's borderline avant-garde composing. In the same manner of a Roy Orbison song fitting into Badalamenti's score for "Blue Velvet," the same goes for the dynamic combination of Mina (an Italian 60s pop singer) and Fusco.
The film "L'Eclisse" is slow-paced and takes its time to unveil its seductive relationship between Delon and Vitti, as well as presenting the world that is empty. The music also conveys that unbalanced where things are not settled. "Eclisse Twist" throws a wrench in the process, and it's very effective to go from one mood (celebrating) to the other (contemplating). And back again. The film and the soundtrack is a beautiful piece of work.
Also, I want to give praise for the label Doxy or Doxy Cinematic. I suspect that they operate in the gray area of bootlegging, but do a superb job concerning the sound of the vinyl, as well as the design work, and even more important, their ability to curate their series in a thoughtful and excellently manner.
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