Wed. Feb. 4, 2015 5:00-8:30 pm
Introduction and moderation of post-screening Q&A by
Film Studies professor
Pizza and soft drinks will be served
SYNOPSIS: ‘s operatic masterpiece tells the story of the Parondis, a poor family from a village in southern Italy who come to Milan seeking a better life. Following the death of her husband, proud Rosaria (Katina Paxinou) picks up stakes and moves to the city with four of her sons: Simone (Renato Salvatori), Rocco (Alain Delon), Ciro, and Luca. Awaiting them in Milan is her oldest son, Vincenzo, who himself is preoccupied with his impending nuptials to the beautiful Ginetta (Claudia Cardinale). Divided into chapters focused loosely on each brother, the movie chronicles the Parondis’ struggle to get by, as the brothers take odd jobs and the family endures life in a cramped tenement. Much of the movie’s second half deals largely with Simone and Rocco. The loutish Simone eventually finds success as a boxer, and the family soon moves to a better neighborhood. Meanwhile, Rocco gets drafted by the military, and becomes a successful boxer himself upon his return. Complications arise when Nadia (Annie Girardot), a prostitute, enters their lives. Simone falls in love with Nadia first; however, Rocco eventually becomes the object of her affection. Simone’s obsession with Nadia and his rapidly deteriorating behavior ultimately threaten to bring the family to ruin, even as the saintly Rocco tries to save his brother. At the peak of Rocco’s success, Simone commits a crime that cruelly dashes Rocco’s hopes of keeping the family together. (Source: Fandango website)
• In collaboration with the Amici Italian Club and the Film Studies Program at vlog
Resources:
English:
Article on Senses of Cinema: Article on Turner Classic Movies website: Famous films about brothers:
Shot analysis from Yale Film Studies Program
Article on Classic Art Films: Article on The Guardian: Article on They Shoot Pictures, Don’t They?:
Movie Review on The New York Times website: Original trailer:
This program is part of a larger collaborative event at vlog ().