Thoughts on Amarcord

Amarcord (I Remember) is the third film that I have seen by Federico Fellini. With the other two being 8 1/2 and Intervista, I couldn’t help but wonder what Fellini’s obsession with people holding hands and running in a circle was, and if it was in all of his films. But my friend assured me that none of his other films contain this act. Of the three films of his I have seen, this was the easiest and most fun to watch. It’s influence on Woody Allen’s Annie Hall screamed out all over the place, especially in Allen’s childhood flashbacks.

It’s amazing how timeless and universal the way he portrayed sexuality and youthful naivety towards it. Although I never had a group jerk-off session in a garage with my friends, I could relate to the rest.

As Fellini reminisces about his youth in Fascist Italy, you see that kids are still kids. They are all daydreaming about growing up to be race car drivers and who they are going to marry as they march in parades, twirling rifles for their country. With adults being interrogated and even tortured, the youths only concern are the enormous tits belonging to the smoke shop lady.

The film was shot in Fellini’s unmistakable style and vision. With anything else he has done, the viewing feels they are in a half-dream type of reality. Grand things appear fake and the unrealistic seems to be everyday occurrences. I guess this could be true for all of our memories of our childhoods.

The soundtrack was also a Fellini staple. The circus-esque was so fun I couldn’t help but take out my guitar and play along every time the main theme spun the film in spectacular circles.

I really loved this film and a great time watching it. It truly is a must see. I liked Fellini in the past, but now I really can’t wait to get to his films that I have not yet seen.

see more of my cinema ramblings at Cinematic Idiot. http://cinematicidiot.blogspot.com/

It’s definitely an amazing film. I think it would be considered Fellini’s masterpiece if he hadn’t made the marcello films (8 1/2 and La Dolce).

As far as the soundtrack goes, I actually found it on vinyl a couple months ago! I’ve been playing it a lot and yes, it is quite the soundtrack.

It’s a very funny film. The priest lecturing the young Titta on “touching himself” and then proceeding to interrupt the conversation to lecture someone over the way something was placed in the church is truly hilarious.

I think the film is lazy – or is this the source of its power (because I also think it is a great film).

I had the most wonderful experience watching this at Nuart Santa Monica.

It’s a GREAT movie, dense with meaning. Fellini really showcases his imagination, and it’s a great look into the upbringing that made him the man he is. Additionally, the movie is hilarious! (think of those family dinner scenes)

AMARCORD is not lazy.

Well, I don’t mean lazy in a bad sense…I am searching for another word maybe. My Sundays are lazy, and I love ’em – same with Amarcord (at least, that how I remember it…).

Relaxed?

Yes, it has a quiet, noisy relaxed quality. Or is that a noisy, quiet relaxed quality?

Amarcord is easy and facile. Fellini kicks back and basks in the sun of his own stereotypes. I really dislike the film- there’s zero conflict, and Fellini’s just not good enough to get by without an internal conflict.

I disagree, Gringo. Amarcord internalizes its conflict and presents itself as a struggle between longing and letting go, between lingering and fading memories. In terms of its “story” and characters, it portrays quite subtly the struggle between stagnation and blossoming. Everyone hopes for a better life, but cannot help the smallness of their lives and aspirations. Pointedly, the film ends with the wedding of the would-be spinster, a celebration that ends up without a sense of joy but of sadness. “Facile” would be to have a bunch of characters reminisce and talk about it and then go to flashbacks or something along those lines. The movie may not be perfect, and Fellini’s style may not be everyone’s cup of coffee, but it cannot be dismissed as “lacking”. I find it admirable for executing a dialogue between he who remembers and the memories being remembered.

And, excuse me, but Fellini is da bomb, and often at his best when being episodic.

I saw Amacord a couple of months ago in a packed theatere. The vibe of the audience was intense. Laughter was heard every couple of seconds. The most amazing experience I have ever had.

@Ralch- your posts describes almost perfectly my feelings about I Vitelloni. I’m definitely in a “realist” stage now.

Second you Gringo, I thought Ralch WAS talking about I Vitelloni!!!

Amarcord is magical. Bravo, Maestro Fellini.

I do not understand how anyone who loves film could not love Amarcord.

I honestly believe that 8 1/2, La Dolce Vita and La Strada are better.
Amarcord comes on 4th place.
But all of them are trully masterpieces, the 4 ones that Il Maestro did.

I <3 Fellini!!!

By the way, I recommend you reading his auto-biography, you’ll probably like it even more.

For me it goes(from what I have seen)

Amarcord
Nights of Cabiria
8 1/2
La Strada
La Dolce Vita(Need to rewatch but so far the ONLY Fellini I haven’t LOVED)