I Vitelloni
Five young men linger in post-adolescent limbo dreaming of adventure and escape from their small seacoast town. They while away their time spending the lira doled out by their indulgent families on drink, women, and nights at the local pool hall. Federico Fellini's second solo directorial effort is a semi-autobiographical masterpiece of sharply drawn character sketches. An international success and recipient of an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, I Vitelloni compassionately details a year in the life of small-town layabouts struggling to find meaning in their lives. Criterion's DVD also includes an exclusive documentary featuring interviews with late actor Leopoldo Trieste and other actors, technicians, and scholars; the original trailer and newsreels from the time of the film's release; a collection of stills, posters, and memorabilia; and more.
Member Reviews
A Minor Classic - JayZ932
Fellini paints a portrait of his old self in this coming of age epic from Italy. Although it takes place well after most coming of age movies do in terms of age, this one nevertheless shares the same theme. It's about living, loving and leaving. The DVD is excellent and the movie engaging, it's definitely worth a spot on your Ziplist... with a bullet! Check it out if you can at all costs!Everyone should leave their hometown. - KOBA
It's hard to judge, as it's considered a classic. Like many foreign films, it's the small character moments that loom largest in the mind. It is told like a fable, but I think its timelessness can detract from it. There are at least a few unforgettable shots, not least, the whole group on a dock.
The problem I had was that the lead, Moraldo, is just a nice, forward-looking guy. Fausto is concentrated on too much - representing the most common and hated of compromises: the sham marriage. Leopoldo, the intellectual unwilling to make horrible sacrifices for his life's work, which is somewhat unremarkable. Alberto is a bit of a frat momma's boy. The cleverness comes from the fact that we already know these people, and we believe in them. That is the central shock, that most are unremarkable and will come to nothing from lack of trying. A cynical, almost Darwinist statement on Fellini's part, but you can't fault the truth in it.
If I learned anything, it's how restrictive a small town can truly be, and how a person should see the world, while they are still young.
Member Reviews
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A Minor Classic - JayZ932
Fellini paints a portrait of his old self in this coming of age epic from Italy. Although it takes place well after most coming of age movies do in terms of age, this one nevertheless shares the same theme. It's about living, loving and leaving. The DVD is ...Everyone should leave their hometown. - KOBA
It's hard to judge, as it's considered a classic. Like many foreign films, it's the small character moments that loom largest in the mind. It is told like a fable, but I think its timelessness can detract from it. There are at least a few unforgettable shots, ...