"Pretty Girl": Seven Tuscan Farmers and Roberto Rossellini's Film

An Italian Journey: A Harvest of Revelations in the Olive Groves of Tuscany: A Pretty Girl, Seven Tuscan Farmers, and a Roberto Rossellini Film

by James Ernest Shaw

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	745 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	264 pages
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"Pretty Girl" is a unique and captivating film directed by the renowned Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini. Released in 1952, the film stands as a groundbreaking work in the history of Italian neorealism. What sets "Pretty Girl" apart is the unconventional casting choice of seven non-professional actors, all farmers from the Tuscan countryside.

The Farmers of Tuscany

The seven farmers cast in "Pretty Girl" were not chosen for their acting experience but rather for their authenticity and connection to the land. They were:

• Mario Petri, a 24-year-old farmer from Montaione
• Silvana Mangano, a 19-year-old farm girl from Rome
• Leopoldo Trieste, a 52-year-old farmer from Florence
• Bruno Bernardini, a 35-year-old farmer from Colle di Val d'Elsa
• Alberto Sorrentino, a 33-year-old farmer from Castelfranco di Sotto
• Giovanni Ignesti, a 32-year-old farmer from Certaldo
• Maria Pia Casilio, a 30-year-old farm girl from Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina

Rossellini believed that casting non-professionals would bring a sense of reality and authenticity to the film. He wanted to capture the true lives and experiences of the Tuscan farmers, without the artifice of traditional acting.

The Story of "Pretty Girl"

Set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, "Pretty Girl" tells the story of Carla (played by Mangano),a young farm girl who dreams of a better life in Rome. When a film crew arrives in her village to shoot a movie, Carla is cast as the lead actress.

As Carla interacts with the filmmakers and the glamorous world of cinema, she begins to question her own values and beliefs. She realizes that the simple life she left behind may have more to offer than the superficiality of fame.

Rossellini's Neorealism

"Pretty Girl" is a classic example of Italian neorealism, a film movement that emerged after World War II. Neorealist films were characterized by their use of non-professional actors, naturalistic settings, and social commentary.

Rossellini, one of the pioneers of neorealism, believed that cinema should reflect the real world and its social issues. In "Pretty Girl," he explores themes such as poverty, immigration, and the clash between traditional and modern values.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, "Pretty Girl" received mixed reviews. Some critics praised its realism and social commentary, while others found it too slow and didactic. However, over time, the film has gained critical acclaim and is now considered a masterpiece of Italian cinema.

The film's legacy lies in its innovative use of non-professional actors and its depiction of rural life in post-war Italy. "Pretty Girl" has inspired generations of filmmakers and continues to be studied and analyzed for its artistic and sociological significance.

"Pretty Girl" is a captivating and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the lives of seven Tuscan farmers and the challenges they faced in the wake of World War II. Rossellini's masterful storytelling and use of non-professional actors create a powerful and authentic cinematic experience that resonates with audiences to this day.

An Italian Journey: A Harvest of Revelations in the Olive Groves of Tuscany: A Pretty Girl, Seven Tuscan Farmers, and a Roberto Rossellini Film

by James Ernest Shaw

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	745 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE