About 'I Vitelloni'

'I Vitelloni' is a 1953 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Federico Fellini. The film revolves around five young men living in a small Italian town and explores themes of adolescence, boredom, and escapism. The young men pass their time in idleness, unemployed, pursuing women and engaging in antics. They are often referred to as 'vitelloni', a term which has come to symbolize aimless and unproductive behavior.

Making / Production

Directed by Federico Fellini, 'I Vitelloni' was developed as a semi-autobiographical film, drawing inspiration from the director's own experiences growing up in Rimini, Italy. Production took place over a period of several months, with the director's characteristic mix of non-professional actors and detailed set designs.

Actors

• Alberto Sordi as Alberto: His effortless portrayal of the aimless and immature Alberto sets the tone for the film. Sordi's comic timing and fearlessness in expression won him acclaim.
• Leopoldo Trieste as Leopoldo: He played the would-be playwright who captures the essence of unrealized dreams in the film. His performance was truly touching.
• Franco Fabrizi as Fausto: As the philandering Fausto, Fabrizi brilliantly portrayed the struggles of youth against societal and personal expectations.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The word 'vitelloni' is an Italian slang term meaning 'loafers' or 'good-for-nothings'.
• 'I Vitelloni' is widely regarded as a classic film that influenced the French New Wave cinema movement.
• The famous beach scene was filmed at the director's hometown of Rimini.

Awards

'I Vitelloni' was awarded the Silver Lion at the 1953 Venice Film Festival. It stands as a testimony to Fellini’s directorial prowess.

Quotes

• "We were all but innocent."
• "We were vitelloni, loafing our days away."
• "Ah, it's true. We really are ridiculous."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's original score was composed by Nino Rota, a frequent collaborator with director Federico Fellini.
• The memorable opening theme became a staple in Rota's compositions and would be used in later Fellini films.
• Rota's music beautifully captured the melancholy, youthfulness and the ultimate optimism in the movie.