Review of Nights of Cabiria (1957) by Derek J — 29 Feb 2008

If I had to select 10 movies to bring with me on a desert island, this would be one of them; in addition to being entertaining and artistically interesting, Nights of Cabiria contains an optimistic, hopeful message that that uplifts me each time I watch it. I am continually humbled by the way in which Cabiria looks despair in the face and smiles.

Before there was Pretty Woman, we had Cabiria, who epitomizes the "prostitute with a heart of gold" character. The movie follows her nights on the streets, in which she encounters a range of adventures.

Giulietta Masina is an underrated actor, and is the perfect vehicle for this kind-hearted, yet stree-wise character. She makes me want to reach through the screen and give her a hug. :).

Fellini's direction is perhaps more grounded in this film than in others, however, his characteristic refusal to explain himself is present in the tone of Cabiria.

While not as exuberant as the score in Juliet of the Spirits, Nino Rota's score compliments the plot and the setting beautifully. Similarly, Fellini's use of silence and crowd noises create the perfect kind of atmosphere for certain scenes.