Review of Mamma Roma (1962) by Hugo S — 31 Jul 2009
In many ways, Mamma Roma plays like an exemplar of the neorealist movement, and it essential is, but Pasolini employs some of the neorealist stylistics for completely different reasons. But I won't go into that in this review.
Mamma Roma is a truly stellar film on all levels from the writing to the direction to the superb performance by Anna Magnani. Throughout most of the film, Mamma Roma seems much more upbeat and hopeful than older neorealist fare.
Ultimately, I would place it more in line with the still somewhat optimistic films of Vittorio de Sica than with the harshly realistic and almost apocalyptic films of Rossellini's post-war period.
In essence, Mamma Roma is about unconditional love, the effects of the lives we choose, and the unavoidable gravity of situations, that is, the peer and environmental pressures to which one must inevitably succumb.
A film about the best in humankind while also being about the fundamentally tragic nature of the universe. Pasolini's film is as tender and humorous as it is naturalistic and existential. It is a profound film that will leave no audience unmoved.
This review of Mamma Roma (1962) was written by Hugo S on 31 Jul 2009.
Mamma Roma has generally received very positive reviews.
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