Mamma Roma

Movie Information

In Brief: Largely dismissed — even vilified — upon its Italian release in 1962, this Pier Paolo Pasolini film about the semi-incestuous relationship between a middle-aged prostitute (Anna Magnani) and her son (Ettore Garofolo) didn't even get a proper U.S. release until Martin Scorsese brought it here in 1995. While it's hardly top-tier Pasolini, Mamma Rosa is not without its interest — especially in Anna Magnani's performance.
Score:

Genre: Drama
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Starring: Anna Magnani, Ettore Garofolo, Franco Citti, Silvana Corsini
Rated: NR

Pier Paolo Pasolini wrote Mamma Roma (1962) specifically for his star, Anna Magnani. And as long as she’s onscreen, the film is as fascinating as that star — a woman who seems as much a force of nature as an actress. The idea of presenting her as an aging prostitute trying to put her past (and occasional present) behind her — as she attempts to make a new, respectable life for her son (Ettore Garofolo) — is an appealing one. Throwing in a little borderline incest isn’t bad either. For that matter, the use of all this as Marxist social commentary (hey, it’s Pasolini) — that the capitalist society of exploiting workers is at the heart of Mamma Roma’s situation — is sound enough. As filmmaking, the film is often breathtaking — two very long tracking shots of Mamma Rosa walking down the street she works are amazing to behold. But then there’s another side to the film — the sections dealing with Ettore — and it’s considerably less impressive. I’m sure that Pasolini enjoyed filling the set with throngs of street boys (hey, it’s Pasolini), but the drama it generates seems pretty weak when set alongside Magnani’s larger-than-life presence. Not one of Pasolini’s best films, but worthwhile all the same.

Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present Mamma Roma Friday, July 19, at 8 p.m. at Phil Mechanic Studios, 109 Roberts St., River Arts District (upstairs in the Railroad Library).  Info: 273-3332, www.ashevillecourtyard.com

SHARE
About Ken Hanke
Head film critic for Mountain Xpress from December 2000 until his death in June 2016. Author of books "Ken Russell's Films," "Charlie Chan at the Movies," "A Critical Guide to Horror Film Series," "Tim Burton: An Unauthorized Biography of the Filmmaker."

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.