Summary
Arthur Maude's 'Mona Lisa' delves into a complex tapestry of love, obligation, and silent regret. The narrative centers on Mona, whose deep affection for Piero is challenged by his crippling debt. Forced into a marriage of convenience with a wealthy man's daughter to secure financial aid, Piero assures Mona his heart remains hers. Seven years later, Mona herself is unhappily married to an older man, a life of quiet resignation punctuated by poignant conversations with her cousin about the true foundations of enduring love – be it respect or passion. A chance reunion with Piero, where both confess their lingering regrets, sparks a desperate plan for elopement. This clandestine scheme is overheard by the cousin, leading to a dramatic midnight confrontation. The intended elopement unravels into a revelation, orchestrated by Mona, leaving Piero in a state of profound uncertainty. The film masterfully concludes with Mona, seated in an almost ethereal calm, her face holding an inscrutable expression as Da Vinci, captivated by her enigmatic presence, begins the iconic portrait, forever immortalizing her mysterious smile and the questions it evokes.
Synopsis
Mona Lisa loves Piero, who is badly in debt. A wealthy man assists him and threatens to withhold his money if Piero does not marry his daughter. Piero marries the latter, telling Mona his marriage will not interfere with their love. Seven years pass - Mona is married to a man much older than she. She discusses her love and marriage with her cousin, and claims that married love can not endure unless it is founded on respect, and the cousin doubts if marriage can be successful if founded only on respect. Piero calls and says he has always regretted, and she claims she has never ceased to regret. They plan to elope. The cousin overhears the conversation and runs to tell Piero's wife. At midnight, Piero enters and finds a muffled figure awaiting him. As he is about to leave with this woman, he is confronted by his wife. He explains he loves Mona, and tears off the cloak. It is not Mona Lisa but her cousin. In the corner they see Mona. She asks Piero if he thinks she planned this for revenge or that her cousin tried to save her from herself. She tells him he will always wonder. When her husband returns with Da Vinci, they find Mona Lisa seated with an enigmatic expression on her face. Da Vinci decides to sketch her portrait saying that generations will wonder what that smile means.
