Monica Vitti was a cool and elegant beauty who first appeared on the big screen in the mid-1950s, often portraying characters quite different from her own lively personality. As the decade progressed, she became involved in several stage productions directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, which eventually led to her gaining international fame through her roles in his films. Her on-screen presence—distant, enigmatic, and emotionally layered—seemed to mirror the stark visual style that Antonioni was known for. Monica Vitti played a key role in bringing his unique artistic vision to life, especially in the iconic trilogy consisting of L’Avventura (1960), La Notte (1961), and L’Eclisse (1962), as well as in Red Desert (1964), a deeply psychological exploration of modern alienation and emotional turmoil. In addition to her acting career, Monica Vitti also took on directing later in life, making her debut in 1989 with Scandalo Segreto, also known as Secret Scandal. Monica Vitti passed away on February 2, 2022, in Rome, her beloved hometown, at the age of 90.
Monica Vitti’s most acclaimed work is arguably her performance in L’Avventura (1960), which remains one of her highest-rated films. On the other hand, Modesty Blaise (1966) is often regarded as one of her least successful projects, receiving much lower ratings in comparison. Throughout her career, Monica Vitti has been celebrated for her roles in a variety of films, but it’s L’Avventura that continues to stand out as a highlight. Meanwhile, Modesty Blaise is frequently cited as a departure from the artistic success she was known for during that time.