(watched thu/20230111 via Criterion Channel. Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni from a script by Antonioni, Elio Bartolini, and Tonino Guerra; starring Gabriele Ferzetti, Monica Vitti, Lea Massari, Dominique Blanchar, Renzo Ricci, James Addams, and Esmerelda Ruspoli. Released 15 May 1960)

Initial boredom (oh joy, rich people on a boat) gave way to rapt intrigue after Anna's vanishing (and the inexplicable rabbit/hat act of Patrizia's dog, in one shot, out of the other and never seen again after the island) and Antonioni's following of reactions and fallout thereof: patience is rewarded, especially from lead performances by the ever-resplendent Monica Vitti in her breakthrough role (one of her best, though her turn in LA NOTTE remains my favorite) and Gabriele Ferzetti whose grief turned prickishness turned grieving prickishness unleashed yields some of the most striking visuals of a film composed wholly of striking visuals. Be patient, let it wash over you; follow up with LA NOTTE.