I simply love this film. It’s amazing. Slow-witted poor girl Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina, NIGHTS OF CABIRIA) is bought by a traveling performer named Zampanò (Anthony Quinn, GUNS OF NAVARONE), who is a brute. She goes along because her mother and four younger sisters barely have enough to eat and Zampanò will pay 10,000 lire.
The duality of Gelsomina and Zampanò relationship is fascinating. He tears her down, but also teaches her talents that give a purpose to her life. Later in the film while working for a circus, they meet aerialist The Fool (Richard Basehart, BEING THERE), who has had an antagonistic relationship with Zampanò for years. The Fool can be a mean-spirited jokester at times, but underneath he has a very kind streak. He works as the mirror opposite of Zampanò.
Gelsomina at times wants to leave Zampanò, but doesn’t do so due to fear and attachment. She is such a simple person that she doesn’t know how bad it is for her to be with the abusive man. Even more so, she just wants to be loved and appreciated.
The film is often funny, but it ends in a truly unexpected tragic way. Quinn becomes Zampanò and we can feel the pain he is hiding under the gruff exterior. Masina is a revelation. She has one of the most expressive faces in all of cinema. She makes the film light up and you inherently have to like her character. It’s one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.
Director Federico Fellini has always been fascinated with women and vagabonds. Here he deals with both in a powerful way, especially the later issue. He captures the essence of what it must be like to be on the fringe of society without hopes and dreams. He shows how when you’re poor you need to find joy in the simple things. His camera work is expressive and naturally flowing. His visual metaphors are so subtle you might even miss them. The pacing and the build of the story are perfect. I can’t stress how powerful and unexpected the ending is. This is an unforgettable film that is truly one of the best ever made.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
