Watch The Disappearance Of My Mother

The Disappearance Of My Mother is a poignant and introspective documentary film directed by Beniamino Barrese, who also appears onscreen, about his mother Benedetta Barzini, a former model and political activist who has spent most of her life fighting against the patriarchal norms and conventions of the fashion industry and the society at large. The documentary is a personal journey of a son trying to understand his mother's rebellious and unconventional nature, and the complex relationship that exists between the two.

The film opens with a voiceover of Benedetta, who appears to be recording a message for her son, in which she expresses her desire to disappear from the public eye and live a secluded life on her own terms. The camera then cuts to her daily routine, which involves her teaching a course in fashion theory and philosophy at a university in Rome, and posing for photographs that are part of an art project. We learn that Benedetta has been struggling with fame, success, and the glamorous lifestyle that comes with modeling ever since she became a model in the 1960s, and that she has always felt like an outsider in the industry. She is disillusioned with the superficiality of the fashion world, and believes that true beauty lies within oneself, not in how one looks on the outside.

Throughout the film, we see Benedetta going through various personal and professional challenges, such as dealing with her health issues, losing her mother, and trying to come to terms with her own mortality. We also see her interacting with her family, especially her son, Beniamino, who is an aspiring filmmaker, and who is trying to capture her essence on film. The mother-son dynamic is at the heart of the film, and it is clear that Beniamino loves and respects his mother, while also being frustrated with her at times, as she can be stubborn and resistant to change. However, he knows that her legacy as a feminist icon and a trailblazer in the fashion industry is something that should be celebrated and preserved, and that her voice as an activist is more important than ever in today's world.

The Disappearance Of My Mother is a visually stunning film, with beautiful cinematography that captures the beauty and complexity of Italy's landscapes and architecture, and the ethereal presence of Benedetta, who is constantly moving and dancing through life. The film is also interspersed with footage from Benedetta's past, including photographs and interviews from her modeling days, as well as footage of her political activism and personal life. These clips provide a historical context for Benedetta's journey, and show how she has been a part of the feminist movement since its inception.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is how self-aware it is, both on the part of Benedetta and her son. They both know that they are making a film about their relationship, and they both acknowledge that it is a difficult and delicate subject. They are not trying to hide anything from the audience, and are instead brave enough to show their vulnerabilities and flaws. This honesty and vulnerability make the film even more powerful, as it reveals the complexities and nuances of mother-son relationships, and how they are shaped by different circumstances and experiences.

In conclusion, The Disappearance Of My Mother is a must-see film for anyone who is interested in the intersection of art, feminism, and identity politics. It is a deeply personal and intimate portrait of a mother and a son, who are trying to navigate their way through life while also challenging the status quo. Through Benedetta's story, the film raises important questions about the role of beauty, aging, and female empowerment in our society, and offers a hopeful message about the transformative power of love and relationships.

The Disappearance Of My Mother is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 71.