Free is the word here in Fellini - Satyricon, adapted from the ancient book by Petronius that is considered to be the first novel ever written. However, only fragments remain, and Fellini made a wise choice in creating the film to move forward as the book does. The plot is told in episodes, where characters move from one scene to another without explanation, where things change and there really is no reason for anyone to do anything.
Yet, in that sense, Fellini captured what Ancient Rome was all about. These people are morally and spiritually hopeless; they feel life is so short that there is no reason to attempt to have what would be considered a "normal" life, so essentially anything goes. This mostly explains the ideas of rampant sexuality, human sacrifices and bloody violence as entertainment. These are the underworld elements of a civilization on the brink of destruction from the inside out, where life is cheap.
Despite this morbid subject, Fellini is able to create such a vivid and wild visual style, that it is arresting no matter what the actors are doing in the shot. His use of bright colors on sets and costumes creates a feeling of excitement and joy even if it is a disturbing sequence. I really cannot recommend anyone to watch it despite its cinematic beauty, but if you appreciate cinema as more than just entertainment perhaps it would be worth your time. I have heard this film called a masterpiece while others think its deplorable and depraved. It's actually both, but it is total Fellini.
Yet, in that sense, Fellini captured what Ancient Rome was all about. These people are morally and spiritually hopeless; they feel life is so short that there is no reason to attempt to have what would be considered a "normal" life, so essentially anything goes. This mostly explains the ideas of rampant sexuality, human sacrifices and bloody violence as entertainment. These are the underworld elements of a civilization on the brink of destruction from the inside out, where life is cheap.
Despite this morbid subject, Fellini is able to create such a vivid and wild visual style, that it is arresting no matter what the actors are doing in the shot. His use of bright colors on sets and costumes creates a feeling of excitement and joy even if it is a disturbing sequence. I really cannot recommend anyone to watch it despite its cinematic beauty, but if you appreciate cinema as more than just entertainment perhaps it would be worth your time. I have heard this film called a masterpiece while others think its deplorable and depraved. It's actually both, but it is total Fellini.