Review of I Vitelloni (1953) by J J — 26 May 2011

Another Fellini classic that, like Il Bidone, marked a transitional period for neorealist films. Partly autobiographical, 'I Vitelloni' is a comedic character study about a group of friends (or spivs) from small town Italy as they finally come of age. Fellini shows us brief glimpses of each characters life, as they struggle with responsibility and growing older. I found this a film I could easily relate to, it was about a bunch of idle youths who have nothing better to do than spend their time doing nothing, trying to get some sort of enjoyment out of life without resorting to conventional family life. It had many 'Felliniesque' carnival moments yet it maintained an innocent and honest feel that made everything feel real and believable, resulting in characters that were easy to buy in to. Anyone with an interest in Fellini or Italian cinema should catch this classic of world cinema.

8/10.