Fellini's Casanova (Il Casanova di Federico Fellini , 1976)
The magical world of Federico Fellini
Masks, masquerades, marionettes. Just as it should be. Fellini's Casanova begins with Venice Carnival, a celebration whose roots date back to pagan times. It is here that our hero, Giacomo Casanova, appears in a white mask. This film is certainly not for prudes: we are dealing with Casanova, after all. Indeed, Fellini wrote the screenplay on the basis of Casanova's memoirs. You should not, however, expect a film full of joyful and wanton abandon. This is not, if you please, a triumphant portrayal of the famous/notorious sex acrobat. It is more hesitant, bitter.
The critical reception was decidedly mixed (lousy). At the time, critics expected Fellini to be Fellini. They weren't even moved by the visual spectacles designed by the director. It seemed like there was every chance that the film would be swallowed up by a deluge of apathy. But that's not how it played out. Year upon year, Casanova's reputation gradually improved until it was finally considered a Fellini masterpiece. Yet the film itself did not change - only the world. Perhaps people were able to see the character of Casanova as a marketeer who, by utilising his masculine power - and his legend - beats out his path to a place among the most prominent practitioners of science and art. They accepted and welcomed him, not only thinking of 'that' about him. As the years passed, it has become increasingly that marketing is taking over the world and that it is necessary to do what ever it takes to get attention. Perhaps you are familiar with Frigyes Karinthy's short story The Circus (A cirkusz)? To have the chance to perform the song you have always wanted to play, you must create an attraction. But when the circus is in full swing, who will care about the song? Let's just say that Fellini's Casanova is well worthy of reevaluation. Who is he anyway? A poet, an explorer, a scientist? Or the ultimate scoundrel, a careerist and a faithful servant of money and power? Or simply a bitter man who could never be sated?
Director: Federico Fellini
Featuring:
Host: András Réz
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