There's 10 different elements here that should have captured my utmost attention (a Magnani lead most importantly), yet somehow, I was nearly bored to tears. Love the music, though.

487

#479

Not much to this, but Magnani and Renoir make the most of it.

Filmed at Renoir's typically leisurely pace, with exquisite costume design and Technicolor. It's too bad most of the characterizations are very thin. The main character is particularly irritating in her apparently fickle desires and shallow attitude, and she is played by Anna Magnani in stilted English. The one exception is the Viceroy, well-acted by Duncan Lamont.

A guilty pleasure. I just love everything about this film that makes it its own; which is almost everything.

# 533

A charming little bit about commedia dell'arte, mostly noteworthy for the excellent performance by Anna Magnani and the Vivaldi score. I hate Renoir's use of Technicolor, however, and here it has the same muddy, washed-out look as The River. I really don't understand how anyone could praise the color in this film, but perhaps I'm missing something.

A delicious confection of gorgeous technicolor, brash and romantic spectacle, and broad, outlandish characters. It isn't particularly profound, but it is fun testament to the power of theatrical escapism.

533

A decent film but I hated Magnani's character so much that it completely ruined any interest I had in what was going on.