Anna Magnani\'s Oscar Winner!
I had been a fan of Anna Magnani\'s films long before first viewing "The
Rose Tattoo". Always intrigued by this great actor, my expectations for this film were easily met. Magnani, a middle aged widow without means meets goodhearted Burt Lancaster, but feels she is betraying the memory of her late husband, whom she seems to worship even beyond his grave. Later the story reveals that this "gem" of a husband had been completely unfaithful and was not much to brag about. Adapted from the Tennessee Williams play, this material transfers nicely to the screen. If you are a fan of the two incredible leads, you will enjoy this movie! The absolute best Anna Magnani film in my opinion is "Bellissima", unfortunately not currently available in the USA.. 
His being the grandson of the village idiot is an important element here.
Burt Lancaster's character is the grandson of a Sicilian village's
idiot, who raped his grandmother. He happily shares this information with Anna Magnani's character and it helps explain why he is such a BUFFOON. As she notes, he has the body of her hunky beloved husband and the head of of a clown. Attracted to him sexually, she really has to work to get past what an idiot he is, but she manages. The photograph on the cover of the DVD captures her revulsion and desire. Burt Lancaster is well cast in that his physique and athleticism are prominently featured, in counterpoint to the mindlessly happy, drunken, emotional truck driver he plays. A favorite scene is when he is perched atop a mast, singing "happy bird, happy bird," being a complete simpleton and yet being powerfully attractive as he gracefully descends. It's obvious Burt Lancaster is an athlete and an acrobat and a really good actor. The developing relationship between Anna's character and Burt's is the most interesting aspect of this film. Her reactions to him are funny, believable, understandable.. |
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