Film Greats: Federico Fellini’s ‘Nights Of Cabiria’ (1957) (1 Viewer)

[Edwin Pereyra]

In Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, Guilietta Masina (who was also Fellini’s wife) gives a strong, funny and more importantly, a memorable performance as Cabiria - a prostitute in Rome in search of love and improving her life. It is a performance based on the human spirit and a desire to live and persevere much like the film’s title character. Her facial expressions, mannerisms and style says it all.
Filmed towards the end of the Italian neo-realism period, Fellini’s wonderful film touches on the themes of hope, heartbreak, disillusionment and redemption. More likely than not, its themes mirror life itself in so many ways. His approach is more episodic rather than plot driven.
Films like Nights of Cabiria are what I would call “timeless classics”. It represents an era in cinema that can be truly considered an artform.
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Film Greats – A continuing quick look at motion pictures that, in one way or another, have been called “great films” by some. Other Films In This Series: Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men : Billy Wilder’s The Lost Weekend : Rankin/Bass’ The Year Without A Santa Claus : Jim Sheridan’s My Left Foot
~Edwin

 

[Joseph Young]

Edwin-
Agreed. And this serves as a reminder for me to pick up the Criterion DVD (I've been meaning to for years).
The first time I saw this film was during its revival in the theaters a few years ago. Strangely enough, they mixed the reels, and several scenes were shifted around (the end near the beginning, vice versa). Even more strange, I was not phased by it.
There are so many little moments in this film that radiate off the screen, like the breathtaking hypnosis sequence.
Joseph

 

[Luc D]

This really is a wonderful movie. If the Criterion DVD is still in print then I recommend those of you who are interested to pick it up.

 

[SteveGon]

I picked up the Criterion dvd last year. I'd never seen Nights of Cabiria before and I wasn't disappointed. This is one of Fellini's best and Masina was just wonderful in it. Now if we can just get I Vitelloni and La Dolce Vita on dvd, I'd be a happy little camper. Ya listening, Criterion?
Can't wait for La Strada!

 

[JohnRice]

I have never been a huge fan of Fellini, except I love La Strada. So I wonder if I would also enjoy Nights of Cabiria.

 

[Ike]

I love Nights of Cabiria also! It's funny, but can be quite touching at the same time too. Maybe I should watch it again since it's been awhile since I last saw it?

 

[Pascal A]

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Absolutely! In fact, as much I love La Strada, Nights of Cabiria is my favorite Fellini film. I'm not a fan of post 8 1/2 Fellini, but Nights of Cabiria, like La Strada, is in his earlier neorealist vein. Along with the middle film, Il Bidone, the three films constitute Fellini's Trilogy of Loneliness.

 

[Edwin Pereyra]

The first time I saw this film was during its revival in the theaters a few years ago.

The restored print was the one that made the rounds back in the summer of 1998. Unfortunately, I missed it when it came around my area. I won't make that mistake again the next time it comes around.

~Edwin

 

[SteveK]

Nights of Cabiria has been on Sundance Channel several times over the last few months, but I've missed it each time. I'll make sure that I watch it next time it's on. Thanks for the mini-review.

Steve K.

 

[Brook K]

Yes it is a wonderful film and performance. I finally got the DVD a couple of months ago but haven't opened it yet. Once Juliet of the Spirits comes out I can have a mini-fest and throw in 8 1/2 as well (my favorite Fellini film).