The first time I saw Claudia Cardinale was when my grandmother & I saw "Once Upon A Time In The West"! I was just a kid but I remember her being beautiful yes, but I remember her eyes! There are some actors that speak with their body, voice, but Claudia spoke with her eyes! You felt every emotion just by seeing her eyes and face changing. Seems like an easy thing to do, but not everyone can do it and those that are able to do that well are even less! I then enjoyed watching many of her films as my love for cinema kept growing and further appreciated the screen presence of Claudia! You may remember her most as the princess in the original "Pink Panther" film! Claudia chose a different path than many of her counterparts (like Sophia Loren for example) but even though she may have never been a household name, chances are you did see her face in at least one of over 130 films & TV productions through the years.
Here are some recommendations if you're looking to seek out some of her films:
"Once Upon A Time In The West" (1968) This was her signature film if you ask me. What a cast too: Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson & Jason Robards! Not your typical western & my pick for one of the greatest films ever made! Claudia Cardinale once said: "“In Sergio Leone's Westerns, the woman was usually like an object – she had a limited space – but in Once Upon a Time in the West the woman was the center. Everything revolved around her."
"The Leopard" (1963) Claudia is not the star or center of attention in this film! An Italian production with Burt Lancaster as a prince!? It's an incredible film though to say the least and another one of my favorites! Claudia's presence is absolutely unforgettable in which she continued to showcase her depth & range! Watch out for multiple running times as there are five I'm aware of. I've only seen two, as I believe those are the only two available (185 minute & 161 minute versions).
"Girl With A Suitcase" (1961) This was Claudia's first starring role and it's one of those fantastic films that you've most likely never heard of! You should watch this film anyhow, because it's quite a unique film that they don't seem to make anymore. Filmmaker Valerio Zurlini makes use of Claudia's eyes and body language! An absolute must see for sure!
"Day Of The Owl" (1968) A very underseen crime drama with Claudia as the female lead and the plot involves murder, the police and the mafia! A truly great (if not bleak) film with yet another different type of role for her to dive into. This role won her the coveted "David di Donatello Award for Best Actress" which proved she was not just another pretty face or "sex symbol".
Fitzcarraldo (1982) Yet another different role & film for the talented Claudia Cardinale! This time working with Werner Herzog & Klaus Kinski! Noted for the one most problematic productions ever! Inspired by the true story of Peruvian rubber baron, Carlos Fitzcarrald (named & heritage changed to Irish & Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald). Jason Robards was supposed to star, re-uniting him with his OUATITW star Claudia Cardinale, but alas he got sick during production and had to be replaced by Klaus Kinski! Another one of my all-time favorites!
