MovieChat Forums > Giulietta degli spiriti (1965) Discussion > Terrifying

Terrifying

posted 19 years ago by FemaleOrca
19 replies | jump to latest

I just finished this film for the first time the entire way through, and I have to say that a good portion of the spirit imagery was absolutely horrifying. I had no idea Felini was capable of freaking me out to that degree. Not even the dark stuff in Satyricon could touch some of Guilietta's visions inside her house towards the end. A film hasnt given me chills like that in years.

This film is now rivalling 8 1/2 as the best felini of all time. Absolutely gorgeous. Far more people need to see this. For Felini to acheive the staggering beauty that he did with his first attempt at a color feature is a true testament to the genious that he was.

"without domestic violence, relationships are booooring."

[–] wwf_mankind 19 years ago

I just saw it for the first time I agree with you, some of the imagery was very terifying. I havn't actually seen any of his movies past Juliet of the Spirits, so I cannot comment on whether I think this is his best however, of all the ones i have seen (i vitellioni, la strada, la dolce vita, 8 1/2) Juliet of the Spirits and 81/2 both impressed, intrigued, and shook me to the bone. I've loved all his films so far, he is a wonderful director.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] imafaik 19 years ago

The Toby Dammit/Don't Wager Your Head to The Devil segment of Histoires extraordinaires a.k.a. Spirits of the Dead(1968)is definitely one of my favorites, on par with Giulietta, though the other two segments by Louis Malle and Roger Vadim are not nearly as good.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] JimLoneWolf 18 years ago

After a single viewing, I can already tell this film is horribly underrated, and is probably the litmus test for a "true" Fellini fan versus someone who likes his films only if they are critically well received.

Personally, I loved it. And yes, the final 45 minutes or so were startling in their horrific imagery, I did not expect this film to be so disturbing. Thinking back on all the things I saw in this film, all I can say is "wow". There is more creative imagery here than in ten "normal" movies. It may be my personal favorite Fellini film and a worthy companionpiece to 8 1/2.

Over 40 years later, there is still nothing like it. This is a miraculous film that I would KILL to see on a large screen.

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[–] 18 years ago

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[–] eeemail-1 17 years ago

Because I love La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2 so much, I got this film today from the video store. I can't wait!!! Wish me luck.

Oh and worov, your posts rule!!!

Later.....

Darren Skuja
"Film Is The Ultimate Artform"

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] eeemail-1 17 years ago

Wow! I loved it. My life is more enriched after watching this. And I'll watch it again.

Masina was wonderful. The colour was fantastic. The editting....amazing. And so much going on during the "spirit" sequences....some incredible scenes there, filled with so much detail and people doing strange things. I loved the subdued ending...she walks towards the Big Trees that were discussed earlier....I'll have to discuss the ending. Anyway, in no way did I think this was a valley after the peaks of LDV and 8 1/2. This proudly stands with those films. I love that Fellini continued to "expand in all directions" like those trees. :) There is definitely a hint of Satyricon in some sequences. I thought about the sequences in Rosemary's Baby, a few years later...a direct influence, I think. Anyway, I babble. This was a GREAT FILM!

Next = Grand Illusion!

Darren Skuja
"Film Is The Ultimate Artform"

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Vans338 17 years ago

I've just seen it and wow. Words cannot describe what I want to say about this film. The last section was so terrifying and beautiful at the same time. I literally just got a chill while writing this. I've seen La Strada (just OK for me on my only viewing), Nights of Cabiria (great), Amarcord (great), La Dolce Vita (as good as it gets), and 8 1/2 (as good as it gets). This is easily in the category of the last two. I'm really quite surprised how beautiful it was. The colors, especially red. And it's only a 7.4 or something like that here, how awful!
I guess it's partly unrelated but does anyone think I'll enjoy the post-Juliet films, like Satyricon? According to Roger Ebert, Juliet is considered to mark Fellini's decline. I do remember Satyricon having a high score from him though. If it's like this then I'm sure I will.

"A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse"

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Vans338 17 years ago

Great, I'll definitely check them out.

"A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse"

[–] Lilbitdramatic23 17 years ago

I just saw this for the first time last night, and found it, as many have said, both beautiful and terrifying.

Quick question: What was the giant with the orange hair that she kept seeing? I was able to connect most of the other visions back to memories that were shown earlier (her as a child, the monks, etc.), but I couldn't figure this one out.

[–] sr_wolfrider 17 years ago

This film gave me nightmares as a teenager. Still packs a punch nowadays too. It's the shift in tone that sneaks under your skin.

Last film seen: Robert Bresson's Pickpocket - Brilliant!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053168/

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] torpedoboy4 15 years ago

I thought that too. Stanley Kubrick must have taken some notes as well.

[–] mevmijaumau 10 years ago

I like the sudden shift in tone during the final part. Some of the spirits are brilliantly designed, and Rota's score fits those scenes perfectly. I wonder if there is any symbolism in the visual look of the spirits, e.g. the red-bearded man, the creepy old lady on fire etc.