Human Voice (2014)

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Long time after the end of film, zou feel it as an experience. because it is more than an admirable film. but one touching in profound sense. the performance of Sophia Loren is magnificent. as lot of her career. Edoardo Ponti gives a lovelz gift to his mother and that is not a surprise . but the gift is normal. as recognition of an admirable work. for a spectacular short film using the presence, the voice, the skils of an unique actress and few details for atmosphere. Sophia Loren. and her Angela.

This was a real treat for me. I didn't previously realize, before watching Sophia Loren's interview about 'A Special Day' (both that interview and 'Human Voice' are extras on The Criterion Collection release for that film) that this was a beloved role and film that actresses, as they got older, wanted to perform. I also didn't know about this play, despite being a Jean Cocteau enthusiast. This is the first film I have seen directed by Ponti, the son of Loren and the famous producer, Carlo Ponti. His work here is top-notch, especially the cinematography, and I can't for the life of me believe that Loren is 79-80 years old when this was filmed. I don't know her secret Fountain of Youth, but I for one will definitely have what she's having, as we tend to say. I exquisitely hope this isn't the last we've seen of the legendary thespian, but it's definitely worthy of, as she said in the aforementioned interview, the third-best performance she feels she has ever made.

Human Voice (2014) *** (out of 4)Angela (Sophia Loren) is at home waiting for the love of her life to show up. She receives a phone call from him stating that he isn't coming and in fact he's leaving her for another woman.This twenty-five minute short is based on the story by Jean Ccocteau and was directed by Loren's son. This here was a dream project for the legendary actress and she certainly gives it her all and delivers one of the strongest performances of her career. Considering how long of a career she's had, it's saying something special that Loren would give such a strong performance at this stage of her career.This is basically all Loren's show since we never actually see or hear the lover. We basically see Loren talking and reacting on the phone as her heart breaks as the fear of being alone quickly hits her. Loren goes through a wide range of emotions and it's truly something beautiful to watch. She comes across as that strong Italian woman and then shows a certain vulnerability within seconds.Edoardo Ponti does a very good job handling the sensitive material and Rodrigo Prieto's cinematography perfectly captures the beauty of the locations.

It's impossible not to be captured by Sophia Loren's performance. She certainly retains her earthy beauty at the age of seventy-nine. And, although this movie is less than thirty minutes long, Ms. Loren is still able to perform a wide range of heartfelt emotions that draw in the viewer. At the end, one wishes this film were longer. Although I don't speak Italian, I love listening to this beautiful language, especially as spoken by the ultimate professional that is Ms. Loren. I also liked the "small" roles such as that of the maid. The maid was perfectly cast and her veal parmigiana looked delicious. Also, bravo to the director, Mr. Ponti. I highly recommend this film.