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"The Master At
Work" |
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Directed by Federico
Fellini - Written by
Federico Fellini
Starring Martin Potter,
Hiram Keller, Max Born,
Salvo Randone
Distributed by United
Artists - 1969 - 129mins
- Rated R |
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Richard Propes'
Review
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A- |
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Rome. Before Christ. After Fellini. |
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Fellini's "Satyricon"
is one of the few Fellini films that I think I come close to actually
getting. Fortunately, I don't think truly "getting" a Fellini film is
necessary for complete surrender to and enjoyment of the film. He has
always had a consistency in being able to hold my interest and
intrigue me with his films. This film is no exception.
"Satyricon" is written and directed by Fellini based loosely on a book
by Petronius. While the book has survived only in fragments, this film
takes that exact approach with a nearly identical ending that is quite
appropriate and effective.
To describe "Satyricon" is beyond the way my mind works...but,
generally I would describe it as a Roman (as in Ancient Roman Era)
Romantic Comedy...It deals with two male lovers who break up, fight
over custody of a boy who decides who he will live with...they go
through a series of misadventures that only Fellini could successfully
film.
If you require strict adherence to plot, "Satyricon" is definitely not
for you. It simply doesn't adhere to plot. It is a wonderland in terms
of cinematography and a true visual joy. The film's dialogue is sheer
poetry, however, for many moviegoers this is a challenge. Personally,
I find it a joy.
"Satyricon" deals with many traditional Roman topics that remain
relevant...history, architecture, morality, mythology, poetry...It
deals with them from a more philosophical approach...allowing the
viewer to surrender to the experience and walk away from the film with
a very individualized interpretation.
The cast becomes a part of the tapestry of the film...we are not so
much dealing with performances and we are creating presence within the
context of this poetry. In other words, to say that any one
performance stood out would do a tremendous injustice to the wholeness
of the film. Kudos must go to Danilo Donati's production design and
costuming for the film...they are simply stellar.
Fellini received an Oscar nomination for Best Director for this film,
and it is well-deserved...there are, however, a couple of the
vignettes within the film that felt a touch long...
Some would say this film is "pretentious." I would have to agree that
Fellini has always had a touch of pretentiousness about him...however,
he makes it work within the context of a film. While it could be a
detriment, it is not.
Please be advised that, much like most of Fellini's films, this film
deals with mature subject matter. If you are offended by honest
depictions of homosexuality, the Roman acceptance of men and young
boys together and a generally open depiction of sexuality then this
film is guaranteed to offend. It is honest, open and uninhibited in
its portrayal of its subject. I prefer to consider it authentic.
For the adventurous, open-minded moviegoer observing a Fellini film at
some point in life is nearly a must. I can't imagine considering
myself a true lover of film and never having experienced the artistic
integrity and vision of Fellini. Fellini's "Satyricon" is brave,
unusual, honest and authentic.
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© Written by Richard Propes -
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TC Candler's Comment
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Jacob Hall's
Comment
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