Reviews

This is one of the most influential films of all time, it is the classical example, where "less" is always "more". The story is deceivingly simple and it feels at the beginning almost like a piece from "commedia del arte", however the master touch of Fellini's heart and vision talk to us directly through the canvas of Gesolmina's face (Giulietta Massina was his wife in real life). You don't need big words or a crafty developed script. This is like music, speaks directly it does not need translation even most non-Italian speakers find themselves more and more immersed in the visual aspects of this drama, it seems in many aspects surreal (I'll develop this point later) and distant but at the same time there is an underlying tension brought up by the close ups and the music revealing all those emotions much more close to our hearts than we are at first openly willing to admit. This is cinema at its best ladies and gentlemen. No special effects, no grandiose vistas, no colors, no extra help. The intimate nature of these characters feelings talk and paint more pictures than anything else can convey. Regarding the intimate relationship of Fellini and his movies there are already many of his little "secrets or eccentricities" that he imposes in all his films, they all have relevant hidden messages, such as the "white mysterious horse" and the haunting "trumpet melody" are just some of them. Those interested in Fellini's oeuvre should have the pleasure to uncover them with more of his viewing of what this all means, in same cases there is a definite reason in others he leaves it to your own devices and interpretation. He constantly teases us with contradictory emotions, sadness and laughter, complicated and simple, logical and absurd, brutish and angelical. Finally this film is like a great banquet, it seems to drag at he beginning and makes you think that is going to be too long and then at the end it seems too abrupt and you want it to continue, but most importantly leaves with us a savor that will linger in our minds for a long time, those who are sensitive to Fellini's vision will carry this for ever and hunger for more, those indifferent will dismiss it as an extravagant little piece and may be curios for another one. Once thing is for certain, nobody will ever forget Gesolmina's face.

Even though this may not be considered by some as one of Lina Wertmuller's best, it is very much worth seeing, specially for those who like Lina's films or Italian cinema for that matter. I find that the characters might be perceived as a little overblown, but I can also see that it is the only "Lina's Italian" way to express cinematically the passion and turbulence of these seemingly uncomplicated lives and their dramatic unfolding. Here we are not placed in the culturally sophisticated North and for that reason we must place ourselves in this context. We must also remember that geographically we are not only in Southern Italy but In Sicily which bears many more cultural influences than the rest of the mainland. I don't pretend to fully understand or explain in this short review all the intricate connections of time and culture, but in this case the raw emotional material of this "simple people" ironically is very complicated. Lina has captured this beautifully in her usual and unusual brew, mixing as always her own political views with the socio-economic and religion-tormenting issues of those (and today's) days plus the eternal tug-of-war between man and women. I was also very much impressed by the music; Vincenzo Bellini's "Casta Diva" plays an integral part of the story, it is not only wonderful to listen but it also goes very well with the visual aspects of the movie. Life is hard and unforgiving, but the country side is also beautiful and soothing. The personal points of view of these characters (wrapped as simple lives) is selfish for their own reasons but also redeeming ultimately in the light of all conquering love. The twist and turns of fate in this particular story which are such a big part of drama from the beginning of civilization are played partially against the ruins of a real Greek amphitheater and temple, this is visual poetry at its best and Lina knows how to play with it including many vistas of incomparable Sicilian coastal beauty. At the end... all is fair in love as it is in war. See it for yourself.

Considering that this movie was made in 1946, when many of its technical features were in its infancy (including color) it is still a wonderful interpretation of the play. But to be objective we must place ourselves in that period in time, otherwise the movie seems dated and some of its characters out of place.

It is no easy task to interpret a play into film, and this movie even though it wants to give a feeling of outdoors, we (now that we are so sophisticated with our special effects) can tell it is a studio. But let's give credit where credit is due. Vivien Leigh shines by itself, she is the perfect Cleopatra, I find that Claude Reims is also a character to contend with. We might find him with our modern eyes, not physically attractive, and you wonder what Cleopatra sees in him, but let's not forget that, through out the play it is always out in the open the fact that she wants a younger man for herself, this is not a love story between them, but simply the encounter of a couple of very strong, intelligent, determined and ruthless human beings, as such, they are a pair to admire!

Claude Reims seems paternal, sometimes there are other types of attraction as well as rejection, he seems that he never takes her seriously, however he never forgets every word she speaks. Considering that he is supposed to be the most powerful man of its time, it can make any man, a very sexy man! Power is an aphrodisiac (if not lets look our own culture with all our icons in hollywood and in the sports arena, now even politicians are getting into it).

In the other hand Shaw's wonderful wit and facility use of the English language is evident all over the place, he is always so caustic and economic with his subtle criticisms of his own time. We must remember, this movie is about the value of words and the intellect between these two, not about the bloated romance Hollywood has produced so far.

Yes there is a story and an ambiance, but the essence of this play/movie is the underlying meaning of the dialog between them. If you liked "Pygmalion" the other Shaw play made into a movie later reincarnated by Hollywood as "My Fair Lady" you will love this movie.