Christ Stopped at Eboli
In CHRIST STOPPED AT EBOLI, director Francesco Rosi’s stunning adaptation of Carlo Levi’s novel, Gian Maria Volonte (FISTFUL OF DOLLARS; FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE) stars as Levi, one of many intellectuals exiled by the Fascist government during World War II.  Banished to Gagliano, an ancient mountain village in southern Italy, Volonte discovers the stark beauty of the landscape as well as the resilience of the peasants, who have lived there for generations.  The legendary Irene Papas (ERENDIRA; Z; CAPTAIN CORELLI’S MANDOLIN) costars as the earthy Giulia, a housekeeper who teaches the sophisticated writer about the dignity of people who live close to the land.  Francesco Rosi (THREE BROTHERS; SALVATORE GIULIANO) offers an authentic but moving story against a historical backdrop, stunningly photographed in rich detail.