Review of Mamma Roma (1962) by Scott S — 27 May 2010
A bravado performance by Anna Magnani in an early Pier Paolo Pasolini film, when Pasolini was still heavily under the sway of neo-realism. You may be hearing Magnani's robust laugh in your sleep for days after watching. The script is a bit wobbly in deciding whether it's a story about Magnani's character or her teenage son, but the ending is surprisingly dramatic. Be patient with the slow opening, and stick with it.
I loved the bit with Magnani sauntering down the night streets, indulgently monologuing about herself while other loiterers casually trade off on being her sounding board.
This review of Mamma Roma (1962) was written by Scott S on 27 May 2010.
Mamma Roma has generally received very positive reviews.
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