Amarcord

Movie Information

In Brief: If anyone ever asks why Federico Fellini is one of the greats of filmmaking, all that should be necessary is to direct them to his 1973 film, Amarcord. (If that fails, I suppose you might try 8 1/2 (1963), and if that fails, give up trying to reason with them.) Amarcord and 8 1/2 strike me as the most perfect of Fellini’s films, though I give a slight edge to Amarcord simply because of its generosity of spirit. This is Fellini's Oscar-winning autobiographical, phantasmagorical reminiscence of what life was like — or how it seems from a perspective nearly 40 years later — in the small town of Rimini, where the director was born. Rich, comic, gorgeous to behold and thoroughly entertaining. A master filmmaker at his best. Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present Amarcord Friday, May 29, 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
Score:

Genre: Comedy Drama Fantasy
Director: Federico Fellini
Starring: Pupella Maggio, Armando Brancia, Bruno Zanin, Luigi Rossi, Maria Antonietta Beluzzi
Rated: R

amarcord2

 

Like the wondrous peacock that arrives late in the film in an unexpected manner, Fellini’s Amarcord is a thing of breathtaking beauty — and, along with 8 1/2, represents the filmmaker at his very best. For all his genius, Fellini was an artist who often seemed not to know when he’d gotten the good out of an idea. This often resulted in scenes that went on long past their value, but nothing like that happens in this deceptively meandering work.

 

amarcord1973bluray720pa

 

The 1973 film — its title means, “I remember” — is a reminiscence on Fellini’s childhood in the town of Rimini. The narrative covers a year of life there in an often quirky manner (as befits a quirky town) but in an always affectionate one. Whether dealing with the discoveries of adolescence, the simple delights of an earlier era, local myths, the rise of Mussolini and fascism, the impact of the priest, a family outing, an early sexual encounter, assorted eccentric characters, the wonders of a sudden snowfall — what have you — Fellini’s touch is assured and loving. Characters are seen as peculiar, foolish, even ricidulous, but no one — save a fantasy image of Il Duce and the fascists — is observed cruelly. And even Il Duce is presented more as an outrageous absurdity than anything else.

 

018-amarcord-theredlist

 

 

There’s not a false note in the proceedings, which ring true even at their most stylized. There are, however, images of such stunning beauty that you feel you’re actually there — not in Rimini, but inside Fellini’s mind, seeing the things he remembers — in a highly colored fashion — from childhood. It’s one of the most genuinely gorgeous movies ever made — and one of the best. A true masterpiece.

 

Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present Amarcord Friday, May 29, 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.

2 thoughts on “Amarcord

  1. Michael O'Farrell

    Mr. Hanke,

    You are one of the most intelligent and informative film critics writing today.

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.