Review of La Strada (1954) by Adrian B — 01 Mar 2011

Felini's breakthrough film from 1954 is a stunning achievement and perhaps, is a response to bloated and embarrasing Best Picture winner "The Greatest Show on Earth." I say this because in this film, Gelsomina (Guilietta Masina) joins, or is sold off by her mother, to a circus act (one man show, with the actor being Anthony Quinn) and we as the viewers follow them and how Gelsomina is constantly abused: mentally, physically, and verbally.

"The Greatest Show on Earth" has a series of plots, but De Mille was unable to handle them all and the film just becomes per nonsense and an overlength confusion source. This film is beautiful because Felini can handle it with precision and detail. It is tough character study, showing how Gelsomina continues to stay with the miserable man, even after she has the opportunity to escape and is offered a job with another circus. It is a powerful film, with very fine acting from both Quinn and Masina. What is also incredible is the filming techniques that were able to emphasize Masina's doe eyes, and contradictory to what Quinn's character says, she is very attractive. Excellent Felini work!