MovieChat Forums > Roma città aperta (1945) Discussion > La Vita e Bella

La Vita e Bella

posted 16 years ago by odriscolls
6 replies | jump to latest

We just watched "Roma, Citta Aperta" in class today and earlier, the professor had referenced "Life is Beautiful" in discussing the different ways American and European audiences respond to film. His point was that Americans often turn to each other after watching a film and say, "did you like it?" Whereas, Europeans might ask, "what do you think?"

I enjoyed both movies, but what incredible differences exist if you examine them side-by-side. From the 1940s' neo-realism to the 1990's slickness (and I mean no disrespect to Benigni) there is a profound change,with so much more authenticity in "Citta Aperta." While I found the music melodramatic, the black and white low-grade film stock, genuine locations--including actual Nazis--the understated acting...all contribute to a sense of veritas. I found it deeply moving. It will resonate a lot longer in my mind than "Life is Beautiful," as much as I like that film.

[–] Zuckerman79 16 years ago

You bring up a good point. I've seen Life is beautiful and only the beginning of Open City, but your right about the more true and gritty effect of Open City.

That observation of "did you like it" and "what do you think" is really interesting. I never picked that up before.

I am a jedi, like my father before me

[–] Danny73 16 years ago

Hello.
I'd like to defend Rossellini from this "low-grade stock" and "camera problems" charges I've found in other threads about this movie. Everyone should first remember that "Roma Città Aperta" was filmed using "emergency equipment" in 1946, in the capital city of a country where Nazis were still around. Even today, it's known that Aldo Fabrizi was so feared for his life and for the whole cast's. Scars of war were perfectly clear on Roman people and buildings. I think that the real importance of this movie is in his force as a document about war directed by Rossellini, who made us the gift of other wonderful movies like, for example, "Paisà".

[–] ebright99 13 years ago

His point was that Americans often turn to each other after watching a film and say, "did you like it?" Whereas, Europeans might ask, "what do you think?"

I would say your teacher is a shallow, judgemental, and prejudiced person. I haven't observed the behavior he describes and making generalizations about it is like saying, white people often have jobs and work for a living, whereas black people sit on poarches and eat watermellon all day. Your profesor is intellectually shallow and enjoys scoring points by making vapid, baseless comparisons.

[–] malloryl 13 years ago

Even in your quote you show where the professor used the qualifying words "often" and "might", showing that he or she isn't saying every American or European acts as described.
For someone, presumably an American, who is so unbelievably sensitive to a minor criticism, you throw out plenty yourself- "shallow, judgmental, prejudiced, vapid, baseless" . As they say, you can dish it out, but sure can't take it! And I won't even mention the spelling mistakes...

[–] paul1314 13 years ago

Professor.........LOL !

PhD in graphic novels anyone?

Or did he mean the original La Vita e Bella which also starred Anna Magnini?

[–] PoppyTransfusion 10 years ago

The comparison between the two films is so superficial as to be meaningless.

I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.