Two early works in Fellini’s oeuvre.
The White Sheik
In his first solo directorial outing, Fellini burlesques two of the driving forces of his early life—the publishing industry and the Church—by showing each to be fueled by fanatical devotion. Bushy-tailed newlyweds Ivan (Leopoldo Trieste) and Wanda (Brunella Bovo) pledge allegiance to the Vatican and the fumetti (romantic picture book), respectively, and when they arrive in Rome to consummate their marriage before the Pope, these separate pursuits pull them apart over the course of a long and circuitous day punctuated by screwball turns of fate.
The Miracle
Fellini’s third screenwriting collaboration with director Roberto Rossellini was this singular religious featurette. More so than any of Fellini’s vehicles for Mastroianni or Masina, The Miracle is a one-actor showcase, shining the spotlight on Anna Magnani for the entirety of its brief runtime as her character cycles through a full spectrum of emotions between exaltation and despair.
$8 / $10 students and seniors
Email: bgravely@fas.harvard.edu
2022/07/16 - 2022/07/16
Harvard Film Archive
Harvard Film Archive Cinematheque, Cambridge, MA 02138
Although parking in Cambridge is difficult (most of the surrounding streets have restricted parking for Cambridge residents only), metered parking on Broadway and Harvard Streets, as well as the rest of Harvard Square, is free after 8pm. Film-goers are encouraged to use public transportation, particularly the MBTA Red Line.
Films have English subtitles