In Rome, movie fans honor the late Antonioni

Cinema lovers and fans joined family members and friends at Rome’s City Hall on Wednesday to pay their respects to the late Italian movie director Michelangelo Antonioni.

A darling of avant-garde cinema and a celebrated filmmaker across the world, Antonioni died Monday at 94. During a career that spanned six decades, he made such films as “L’Avventura,” “Blowup” and “Zabriskie Point” and was recognized with an Academy Award for lifetime achievement.

“His look was very special, truly unique,” Antonioni’s widow, Enrica Fico, told reporters at the ceremony. “He stole everything from anyone, in the sense that he would observe and had this professional curiosity.”

Among those paying their respects as Antonioni’s body lay in state at City Hall were director Mario Monicelli and former ballerina Carla Fracci. A funeral is scheduled today.