General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWatching one of the Movie's Fellini made between the late forties and deep into the 60's...
especially the one's filmed in Italy, you can still see the devastation that the War had wrought on the people.
It's as if Fellini used that stark back drop, rubble and all, almost as if it was a character in the film. It serves as a great contrast between, especially those filmed in B&W, life and death. Everywhere there is evidence of tragedy and yet, life goes on.
The one movie, La Strada, features Anthony Quinn as a rough-neck traveling strong man who performs for tips and food. This is a disturbing movie on many levels but it also shows that life goes on, no matter what happens all around you. Of course there is a lot more to it than that, It's a Fellini movie. Suffice it to say it is hard to watch but you will come out the other end slightly wizened
I don't know really where I am going with this but I must say I am glad I waited to watch these films until I was able to gather enough life to understand fully what these films were all about.
One of my favorite persons in the whole world use to say "you don't have to be Fellini to figure that out" when people made a super obvious comment to describe something. It made laugh when I was in my 20's but now, halfway into my 50's, I just smile to myself as I enjoy all that life has to offer.
aint_no_life_nowhere
(21,925 posts)In the 1980s I worked for its producer Dino DeLaurentiis. Dino loved Anthony Quinn's performance and thought he looked and acted very Italian although he clearly was not.
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)But I am lad I watched it at this stage in my life...
hifiguy
(33,688 posts)A true masterpiece.
Octafish
(55,745 posts)Fellini -- and life itself -- is like that. Just as we start to grok what's happening, we're entering the middle of our sixth decade!
I am the same way, WCGreen. I'm just starting to appreciate Akira Kurosawa, particularly "Dersu Uzala," now that I've hit 55 and it's 100 outside in Detroit this summer.
aint_no_life_nowhere
(21,925 posts)I saw it as a young man in Paris in 1968 while I was studying there and it affected me for the rest of my life. Very simple but powerful film.
RagAss
(13,832 posts)What is an identity after all ?
whatchamacallit
(15,558 posts)Like most Fellini flicks, lots to love and lots to scratch your head about...
Archae
(46,731 posts)patrice
(47,992 posts)It's what I think of as existential. A little tough to take for that reason, but I like the hard edge of this movie and the amazing sweet-sad-funny-noble character writing for Gelsomina, the female lead. Such a gloriously tatterdemalion ensemble!, without a touch of "hollywood".
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)such innocence and yet innate wisdom...
aint_no_life_nowhere
(21,925 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(151,673 posts)It does sound as though it would be something I would enjoy.
Thanks for the tip...
Gregorian
(23,867 posts)Zampano finally realizes that he was the cause of three needless deaths. Finally, through the absolute innocence of Gelsomina, he was able to see the truth.
I just wish we could truly care for each other.
TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)DeSica, who gave us "Two Women" and "The Bicycle Thief" (aka Bicycle Thieves).
The horrific effects of the war itself, and the doubtful aftermath-- by people who made movies, not politics.
CTyankee
(64,751 posts)the people...and all the destruction...
I remember going to Europe with my mother in 1956, 11 years after the war, and Europe was sad and drab. They still hadn't come back. But I remember St. Paul's Cathedral in London, The Louvre in Paris, and the Night Watch in Amsterdam! What treasures.
I do recall that Versailles in France was very sad and down at the heels. Not now, I hear. It has been restored to glory. It wasn't that way in 1956...
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)the black and white and then when the Radio Free Europe Comercials in Black and White, I thought where did all the color go...
Well, my TV was black and white that's how I remember it...
madrchsod
(58,162 posts)TheMastersNemesis
(10,602 posts)When I was getting my BFA in Theater I took a film art criticism class. That class is where I was introduced to Frederico. By far two of my favorite movies of his were "Juliet Of The Spirits" and "Amarcord". The first movie I saw of his was "La Dolce Vita". He was one of the most profound directors of the 20th century.
Being raised Catholic, I could identify with him because of the way he mocked the Catholic Church and its teachings. He often criticized the Church for its many excesses. "Juliet Of The Spirits" is one of his most scathing. He slams the sterility of the Church in its ability to warp people's minds regarding sexuality. And he shows how the priests and nuns damage people and make them neurotic about themselves as human beings.
I was glad that he got an Academy Award before he died. And I often wonder how he would deal with today's version of Christianity and politics. I have not seen all his films, particularly the earlier ones.
As far as "La Strada" goes, it is a pretty difficult film to watch. The brutality of it from my point of view is metaphoric in relation to the brutality of the world. The last time I saw it was well over 30 years ago. As a masterpiece it still resonates today.
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)Giulletta Masina had that blank face that reflected all that was around her back at the viewers...
Brother Buzz
(37,464 posts)I swear, R Crumb and Fellini crossed paths many times in their dreams
BrendaBrick
(1,296 posts)Nights of Cabiria.
Favorite scene: The finale:
...and I guess if this final sentiment were to be put to music...then my choice would have to be this:
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)It had a profound affect on me.
BrendaBrick
(1,296 posts)Speaking of Italian films, have you ever watched the comedy: "Johnny Stecchino" with Roberto Benigni?
(still makes me laugh)
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)Thanks for the tip.
ananda
(30,313 posts)The toxic devastation is always there,
along with a helluvalotta water.
RagAss
(13,832 posts)Viva Fellini !