Fellini Again Shows Top Film Form (Press, 23 April 1986)

In a retrospective look at the cinematic achievements of old masters, Bob Thomas of the Associated Press highlights the impressive work of prominent directors in the year leading up to April 1986. John Huston, at 79, demonstrated his enduring directorial prowess with "Prizzi's Honor." Akira Kurosawa, aged 76, delivered "Ran," which is considered one of his finest films. Federico Fellini, the youngest of the trio at 66, made notable waves with "Ginger and Fred," a film that critiques contemporary society through the lens of television. "Ginger and Fred" reunites Fellini’s cherished actors, Giuletta Masina and Marcello Mastroianni, who portray a pair of aging dancers reminiscing about their past success in the 1940s with their mimicry of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical performances. The story brings these former partners back together after three decades apart, as they prepare to perform on a television show titled “We Are Proud To Present.” The cast of the show is an eccentric mix, featuring a kidnap victim, a transvestite who had a relationship with convicts, a levitating monk, a centenarian orchestra, and a troupe of dwarfs, alongside impersonators of celebrities like Ronald Reagan and Clark Gable. Masina’s character, Amelia (Ginger), enters this dystopian television world with hopes of rekindling her past with Pippo (Fred), played by Mastroianni. Upon her arrival in Rome, instead of a warm reunion, she is ensnared by uncaring television aides and faced with a bizarre array of guests on the show. The reality of Pippo is revealed to be disappointing as he is now a dishevelled, hung-over man who fails to recognize her. Fellini creatively uses the omnipresence of television seen in hotels, on buses, and in public spaces to reflect the absurdities of advertising and media. The film contains vivid imagery ranging from extravagant production sequences to the grotesque faces of television personalities. While the style of storytelling is reminiscent of a music video, it remains true to Fellini's traditional emphasis on excess. The performances of Masina and Mastroianni are described as exceptional, culminating in a climactic dance that balances both emotional depth and visual spectacle. "Ginger and Fred" was produced by Alberto Grimaldi and co-written by Fellini along with Tonino Guerra and Tullio Pinelli, undoubtedly showcasing Fellini's unique storytelling skills and his critical view of societal themes.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand