265. Viaggio in Italia

Viaggio in Italia
Voyage in Italy
Journey to Italy
1953
Directed by Roberto Rossellini

Before I get started with this review, I wanted to talk a little bit about a recent trip I took to Los Angeles.  I have been a movie buff since middle school so this has always been a huge bucket list item for me.  Also, if you are reading this blog, I would imagine you are quite the cinephile as well (or you just have really good taste in blogs).  The trip certainly wasn't cheap but it was absolutely incredible.  I was lucky enough to tour two studios (Paramount and CBS).  I got to see the alleyway where The Godfather: Part II was made, the bench from Forrest Gump, the motel from Sunset Boulevard, and a set from Bridesmaids.  In addition to that, I saw several sets from Seinfeld, alleyways from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and, most importantly the entire set from Parks and Recreation.  Well part of this is just me bragging, the other part is a recommendation.  I have been obsessively watching movies for as long as I can remember and being there where everything is created is just unbelievable.  It is totally worth the investment.  Here are some pictures:

Outside Grauman's Chinese Theater

Paramount Studios
The only studio left that films entirely out of Hollywood

Amy Poehler's Dressing Room
Yes, I am a total creeper

Even if you cannot afford the studio tours, it is a beautiful, warm city and plenty of things to do.

So that is my movie-related digression for today.  Now onto this stupid film.

This movie centers on a couple as they make their way to Italy to dispose of a property they just inherited. Their relationship is very strained and you can tell that they are heading for a divorce.

I have many issues with this film but since I have rambled on for so long, I will keep it short.  First off, the ending is not realistic in the slightest and made me upset, though I won't reveal why since this is a spoiler free environment.  The acting is merely okay; I find that Ingrid Bergman can be either fantastic to watch (Gaslight) or just kind of boring (here).  Just a very dull film; I have no idea why Rossellini gets all the praise he does.

RATING: *----

Interesting Facts:

#41 in BFI's top 100 movies of all time.

Bombed at the box office.

One of Martin Scorsese's favorite films.

247. Europa 51

Europa 51
The Greatest Love
1952
Directed by Roberto Rosellini

The version I watched played out like a bad (but hilarious) game of telephone.  I have no idea why early fifties movies are so hard to find but for some reason I having to watch most of them on YouTube.  Anyway, the version I got was, of course, in Italian with Spanish subtitles.  I got Google to translate the subtitles to English.  After going through three different languages, the words got a little, shall we say, jumbled.  "World cheerful curve cuban one hour before" has to be one of the greatest lines in cinematic history.

All right, so here's what I think happened.  Ingrid Bergman's son dies and then other shit happens.  I think she becomes somewhat of a martyr or something?  No one understands her?  Some sort of allegory to Christ?

All right, so I really didn't get it.  I gathered it was like Ikiru but worst.  Bergman, though, is a great actress; I don't care what she is doing I just want to watch her do it.  I just want to know what the title means.  It sounds like a space shuttle.  I am very confused.

RATING:**---

Interesting Facts:

No trivia on IMDb.  Maybe no one understand it.

184. Paisa

Paisa
Paisan
1946
Directed by Roberto Rossellini


Still not sure how to paste pictures with the new computer.  Damn kids with their newfangled contraptions...

Unfortunately, this is another Italian film.  I don't think I have ever watched an Italian movie I like.  I might be stuck in some sort of vicious movie cycle where I don't like Italian movies and then I just don't like the movie because it is Italian.  They are just all so pretentious.  I may use the word "temerity" more often than I should but even I put my foot down at a certain point.

All right, so this movie is divided into six vignettes.  The book apologizes for the boredom and bad acting but insists the movie is still worth it because of...um...let me go check.  Oh right, it is bleak and stark in its depiction of the horrors of war.  The problem with this is how easily it becomes dated.  We are so jaded now with war images, books, and movies that this is simply nothing new.

Now I am personally challenged.  Will there ever be an Italian movie I like?  Stay tuned if you can stand the suspense.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

The monks in this movie are actual monks.  Yes, I know that is not remotely intriguing.  Really do not have a lot to go on here.

178. Roma, Citta Aperta

Roma, Citta Aperta
Rome, Open City
1945
Directed by Roberto Rossellini

You should probably know if you want to follow this blog that I really hate Italian films.  I don't know why but I don't think I have encountered a single one I enjoyed.  Whether it is pretentious Fellini crap or neorealism, I just hate it.  Unfortunately, this movie is no exception.


This movie is about the Italian Resistance which you would imagine would be fascinating.  However, I found myself just plain bored with the whole film.  I found my attention wandering to far more exciting pursuits (including eating cake, throwing a ball up in the air, taking Hogwarts personality quizzes, and staring at my feet).


Of course, my immaturity doesn't stretch so far that I can't see the merit of a film like this. If you want nitty gritty during this time period, look toward Europe; we are in the midst of the Hays Code.  Watching women getting gunned down in front of children isn't exactly fun but that's neorealism people.


RATING: **---


Interesting Facts:


Rossellini used real Nazi POWs as extras.