L'Avventura (1960)

A group of upper class Romans are on a leisurely cruise on the Mediterranean when one of them, a young girl (Lea Massari), goes missing on a barren island. Her fiance (Gabriele Ferzetti) and her best friend (Monica Vitti) look for her. At first, in earnest then half heartedly as they give in to their mutual attraction to each other. Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, this is one of the greatest as well as influential films in cinema. Its examination of contemporary alienation is subtle and devastating. The missing girl becomes irrelevant as the spiritually bankrupt group of people randomly reach out to each other in the hope of some emotional contact, usually in the form of sex, but finding only more emptiness. There had been nothing like it before and unfortunately, its spawn of imitators never equaled its artistry. Visually, the film is a feast and Aldo Scavarda's B&W images and compositions are stunning. Indeed, the film's final shot may be my favorite last shot ever! It's an often difficult and challenging film. I've had friends I've recommended the film to complain that nothing's happening. Of course, a lot is happening when you look beyond the surface. One of the genuine masterpieces of 20th century cinema.