Federico Fellini's story of "I Vitelloni" is about five friends trapped in their small Italian town; they go out drinking and pick up women, while avoiding work and responsibility. The five are Franco Fabrizi (as Fausto), Riccardo Fellini (as Riccardo), Franco Interlenghi (as Moraldo), Alberto Sordi (as Alberto), and Leopoldo Trieste (as Leopoldo).
This film certainly does not represent Fellini's best work; it's very difficult to become interested in the lives of the five wastrels - their stories are, indeed, dull! However, if you watch long enough, you can become involved, and interested in their lives. The main story (explicit, not implicit) is the relationship of "Fausto" and "Sandra" (played by Eleonora Ruffo) - he gets her pregnant; but, he doesn't really want to settle down and accept responsibility; you get his resolution in the end. The more subtle story is: will one of these guys get out of this life they are trapped in? You get an answer in the end.
The music (by Nino Rota) is great; if you're reading subtitles, the music helps you feel emotions - a fine trait in Fellini's films. There are some beautifully directed and photographed sequences, but "I Vitelloni" is not extraordinary Fellini. The ending, if you hang in, is exhilarating.
******* I Vitelloni (8/26/53) Federico Fellini ~ Franco Interlenghi, Alberto Sordi, Franco Fabrizi, Leopoldo Trieste
This film certainly does not represent Fellini's best work; it's very difficult to become interested in the lives of the five wastrels - their stories are, indeed, dull! However, if you watch long enough, you can become involved, and interested in their lives. The main story (explicit, not implicit) is the relationship of "Fausto" and "Sandra" (played by Eleonora Ruffo) - he gets her pregnant; but, he doesn't really want to settle down and accept responsibility; you get his resolution in the end. The more subtle story is: will one of these guys get out of this life they are trapped in? You get an answer in the end.
The music (by Nino Rota) is great; if you're reading subtitles, the music helps you feel emotions - a fine trait in Fellini's films. There are some beautifully directed and photographed sequences, but "I Vitelloni" is not extraordinary Fellini. The ending, if you hang in, is exhilarating.
******* I Vitelloni (8/26/53) Federico Fellini ~ Franco Interlenghi, Alberto Sordi, Franco Fabrizi, Leopoldo Trieste