Liza

Marco Ferreri’s fetishtic feature, cast real-life couple Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni as Liza and Giorgio, master and servant.

After being abandoned by her friends on a remote island, Liza discovers Giorgio, an illustrator that lives a hermit’s life with his dog Melampo. Quickly falling for Giorgio’s rugged charms and simple way of life, Liza spares no time at all in becoming jealous of Melampo and the attention Giorgio showers on him. In a bid to claim her man, Liza takes Melampo out to sea and lets him drown. After burying him, Liza confesses her crime to Giorgio who simply places the collar around Liza’s neck, a metaphorical baptism into life as his new dog.

Catherine Deneuve, tasked with the title role, delivers a cerebral performance that remains unrivalled in her career. Sparse dialogue and a tiny crew ensured Deneuve’s acting ability had to rival that of her bedazzling beauty, which, thanks to Mastroianni’s unflinching portrayal opposite, she successfully manages.
A unique work that brings to mind, and arguably foresees, the groundbreaking cinema of Herzog, Von Trier and the like, this is vintage cinema not to be missed.