Dickens & Rumi
Cover of L'Eclisse

film

L'Eclisse

1962

Vittoria is a beautiful literary translator living in Rome. After splitting from her writer boyfriend, Riccardo, Vittoria meets Piero, a lively stockbroker, on the hectic floor of the Roman stock exchange. Though Vittoria and Piero begin a relationship, it is not one without difficulties, and their commitment to one another is tested during an eclipse.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Adult relationship themes, implied on-screen sex, a disturbing death, emotional alienation, racist language and blackface imagery make this best suited to mature older teens and adults. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Sexual content & nudity3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Stock trading, wealth, and prominently named cars help portray a materialistic world, but the film is not advertising products or urging purchases.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A drunk man dies after stealing Piero's car; his body is shown being lifted from the water in a memorable scene.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

There is no graphic gore shown.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Racist language is used by a colonialist character, including a dehumanizing slur for African people; otherwise strong language is not prominent.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The changing relationship between Vittoria and Piero is the film's central subject, including kissing, intimacy and discussion of marriage.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Contains a general sense of unease and existential dread typical of the director's style.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Vittoria and Piero have sex after kissing and undressing; a call girl and Piero's prior arrangement are also mentioned.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

A man is drunk when he steals the car and subsequently dies; broader substance use is not a central theme.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Depicts a car accident aftermath where a person is found dead in the water, but the violence is not graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience1/5
Why this rating?

Limited instances of traditional courage; characters struggle more with internal conflicts.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Its expressive black-and-white imagery, locations, eclipse motif and unconventional ending invite reflection and artistic interpretation.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The film includes women with varied social positions and a colonial setting, but its racial material includes dehumanizing attitudes and blackface rather than broad positive representation.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides historical insight into the era's social and architectural aesthetic in Rome.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Some companionship and concern appear, but the relationships are marked more by detachment, frustration and self-interest than sustained kindness.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film offers a substantial, critical reflection on alienation, emotional disconnection, materialism, and the difficulty of sustaining intimacy.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The leads are complex but often emotionally evasive; Piero's infidelity-related behavior and aggressive persistence are not presented as straightforward models.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in L'Eclisse would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in L'Eclisse, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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