Fellini's Roma (1972) Reviews

After watching this movie, I read up on Fellini and his style. Then, it all made sense. I especially liked the Vatican fashion show and the last scene on the motor bikes... highlighted my favorite sites in Rome.
Close this Review

Fellini must have a love-hate relationship with Rome, leaning heavily toward hate. In "Roma", he portrays the citizens as loud, brash and uncouth, all leading wanton, decadent lives. None are so decadent, however, as the subway tunnel diggers who illicitly break through a hollow wall into an archaeological site instead of suspending work and notifying authorities of their potential discovery. When 2,000-year-old frescoes are in fact uncovered by the diggers, the inrushing fresh air causes the frescoes immediately to fade and disintegrate. Due to its jaded nature and severe disjointedness, I found this film hard to watch (and could barely finish it over the course of two nights). The only parts I found remotely interesting were (1) the famously surreal scene in which the clergy attend a fashion show and (2) the shots of modern life juxtaposed with ancient Roman ruins. If "Roma" is anything like the real Rome, I'm staying home.
Close this Review