While we were discussing Maria Schneider, someone mentioned a film she and Jack Nicholson did in 1975 which is rarely seen because Jack had more or less kept it away from public viewing for reasons I don't recall. Anyway, Netflix produced today and I have just finished watching it. Very odd. It was directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, so, as one would expect, it is visually stunning with plenty of symbolism thrown in. There are extended periods of time with no dialogue. Lots of long, slow camera shots telling the story. This is absolutely not the sort of movie one sees today. No special effects, no theatrical enhancements. Just some of the most magnificent photography you will ever see. The story is rather transparent, but the cinematic technique makes this a "must see" for students of movie making.

PS. Maria keeps her clothes on.

Thanks for the review, Colonia, and especially the notice about Maria S. not baring all. I procrastinated seeing THE PASSENGER when it was re-released when I heard she was in it. There's an Antonioni retrospective going on in Brooklyn now, and I just watched La Notte, L'Aventura and Le Amiche, and am looking forward to The Passenger next week. Even the worst Antonioni movie, Zabriskie Point, has fantastic cinematography.

Say, this sounds like a real, treat!! In some ways, I find Butterfield 8 to possess some of these 'rarely seen,' cinematic effects and stylistic details. As for Z. Point . . . I remember wayyyyy back, when its two stars: Mark Frechette and Daria Halprin, made the cover of Look Magazine! Or, was it Life??

Netflix delivered Butterfield 8 today. Not sure I"ll get to it tonight, but definitely within the next couple of days.