White Nights

Luchino Visconti's utterly gorgeous 1957 picture, adapted from the Dostoyevsky story, is a rich, visually stunning masterpiece from the acclaimed filmmaker. "Le Notti Bianche" stars Marcello Mastroianni (in an early role) as a lonely stranger who comes upon a seemingly sad woman (Maria Schell) and is instantly taken with her. Although she isn't instantly hooked, the two keep connecting while she waits for her lover's promised return and eventually, a romance blossoms, although both know that it cannot last. Visconti's film isn't heavy on plot, but it's heavenly in other regards - especially the picture's sets and cinematography. Filmed entirely on remarkably intricate and beautiful sets, the picture's settings have a shadowy, rich quality that is just remarkable to behold. The black and white cinematography is velvety and smooth, capturing the characters in exceptionally strong compositions. The score by Nino Rota ("The Godfather") also adds greatly to the mood and atmosphere.