The End Of The World In Our Usual Bed In A Night Full Of Rain (1978)

A feminist American photographer (Candice Bergen) is pursued by an Italian communist chauvinist journalist (Giancarlo Giannini) from Italy to San Francisco. But their subsequent marriage is a battleground of sexual politics. Written and directed by Lina Wertmuller (SWEPT AWAY) in her first English language film. Set during a rainy night (except for flashbacks), this is essentially a two character film with Giannini and Bergen spewing political and feminist rhetoric back and forth when not fighting or having sex. There is a sort of Greek "chorus" comprised of friends who make comments while observing their arguing and sex life. Giuseppe Rotunno's often striking cinematography aside, this is a didactic and tedious exercise with none of the wit of her SWEPT AWAY or LOVE AND ANARCHY. One can see what Wertmuller is trying to accomplish but it is ultimately a failure. The film is as convoluted as its title. Perhaps it would have worked better in Italian and with an Italian actress instead of an American. Bergen seems overwhelmed by it all. With Michael Tucker and Anne Byrne.