Review of Satyricon (1969) by Bill M — 09 Mar 2012

Having seen a few sketches of Federico Fellini's dreams, I had always wondered why it does not show in his films. I also remember reading a quote by Sergei Parajanov praising Fellini's penchant for fantasy. For sure, there are glimpses in "8 1/2" (and others) as far as I can remember, but I don't think anything can compare to what I saw in "Fellini Satyricon." "Satyricon" is Fellini's greatest achievement with the exception of "8 1/2" and maybe "La Dolce Vita." I have read that Fellini describes his film as science-fiction, which is true. I see it something similar to Sergei Parajanov's "The Color of Pomegranates," where the director is using his imagination more than the literary work in his possession to tell stories. Only a handful of directors are able create images in film that rival the great Renaissance painters; Fellini creates numerous spectacles one after the other in "Satyricon." I viewed the film back to back in two days and I still can only grasp it remotely. I did love it even more the second time, it was very difficult to concentrate on the images and the overwhelming, fast paced dialogues in the screenplay. Like, the later works of Godard, I believe you can (try to) unlock its secrets by viewing it several times. "Satyricon" also brings backs memories of Pier Paolo Pasolini. I cannot put it into words how mind-boggling and awe-inspiring this film was. If you have not seen "Satyricon," you have not seen what dreams can create...if you have not seen "Satyricon," you have not seen Fellini!

"Now mourn me. I am dead.".