Roma (1972)

Synopsis

A virtually plotless, gaudy, impressionistic portrait of Rome through the eyes of one of its most famous citizens. blending autobiography (a reconstruction of Fellini's own arrival in Rome during the Mussolini years.

A trip to a brothel and a music-hall) with scenes from present-day Roman life (a massive traffic jam on the autostrada; a raucous journey through Rome after dark; following an archaeological team through the site of the Rome subways; an unforgettable ecclesiastical fashion show).



Although this is not a film in its traditional sense, it presents another unique quality for Fellini. Its non-linear pattern may seem very confusing. In a sense you can say it is filmed like a documentary.

Roma is an offbeat look at how Fellini perceived Rome in the 1970s. Fellini here is insisting that Rome is filled with nothing but freaks. In order to enjoy this film you must be a die hard Fellini fanatic, which I'm not although I do respect his work. -- IMDb

Cast: Peter Gonzales Falcon, Fiona Florence, Britta Barnes, Pia De Doses, Marne Maitland, Renato Giovannoli, Elisa Mainardi, Raout Paule, Dennis Christopher, Federico Fellini, Anna Magnani, Franco Magno, Marcello Mastroianni, Cassandra Peterson, Gore Vidal

Produced by: Turi Vasile
Cinematography: Giuseppe Rotunno
Edited by: Ruggero Mastroianni
Music by: Nino Rota

Cannes (In Competition): Technical Grand Prize, Cannes (Rétrospective)


The film was screened at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival but was not entered into the main competition. The film was also selected as the Italian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 45th Academy Awards but was not accepted as a nominee.

Read about this film

Country: Italy | France
Language: Italian | English
Color: Color
Runtime: 128 min.