Essentially the film is a tale of a female character Eugenia with whom two males are smitten but the male lovers accept the fact graciously that lady loves both of them. This is the second feature film of Isabella Rossellini. The first sequence that the Taviani brothers introduce her in the film is magical. This is the only film made by the Taviani brothers that I can recall that employs the music of Ennio Morricone. The flute sequence where Ms Rossellini plays the Pied Piper of Hamlyn is the highlight of the film. Actor Saverio Marconi who plays Giovanni in this film is as impressive Ms Rossellini (who plays Eugenia) in this film based on an original script written by the Taviani brothers. Saverio Marconi played the son in the directors' most riveting film "Padre Padrone." The Taviani brothers, when they write their original scripts, often have two male leads (possibly their own alter egos) as in "Good Morning, Babylon" and Enzo and Giovanni in "The Meadow." The characters often discuss the prospect of making films as in "Il Prato/The Meadow." Of course, this concept of introducing two males, at least one of whom loves cinema, is not possible when they are adapting Pirandello, Shakespeare or Tolstoy. "The Meadow" also touches on the directors soft spot for socialism in poverty stricken rural Italy. This is a major Taviani film that again delves on the father/son relationships so deftly dealt in both "Padre Padrone" and "Good Morning, Babylon." The use of the meadow as a metaphor for subjects discussed in the film may escape the casual viewer.
Review of The Meadow
