Cinema Rediscovered: Modesty Blaise

In her first English-language role, Italian star Monica Vitti incarnates the British comic-strip heroine Modesty Blaise blending Barbarella-style allure with Bond -style espionage capers.
Joined by a cockney sidekick (Terence Stamp), Modesty sets out to thwart a diamond-theft scheme hatched by super-villain Gabrielle (Dirk Bogarde). But forget the plot, it’s the least important part - instead immerse yourself in the riot of colour, Monica Vitti’s outfits and the outrageous sets and props; will Dirk Bogarde really drink from that exaggeratedly sized wine glass?!
Modesty Blaise is not a film you would immediately identify with the exiled American director Joseph Losey (Accident), but he crafts a visually playful pop-art fantasy that puts the swing into the Swinging Sixties.
This screening features a pre-recorded introduction from curator George Cruse-Drew.
Part of Cinema Rediscovered on Tour.