Bellissima, directed by Luchno Visconti, is part of the Italian Neo- Realism genre. Italian Neo-Realism
is a style of film characterized by stories set among the poor and working class, struggling to survive during and after World War II. Other films in this genre include: "Rome Open City," "Umberto D," and the "Bicycle Thief."
In this satirical movie, (Based on a story by famed Italian scenarist, and frequent Fellini collaborator Cesar Zavattini) there is an emotional struggle between a stage mother, Maggelena (Anna Magnani) who spends what little money the family has on hair dressers, dance instructors and acting teachers for her tiny daughter Maria (Tina Apicella). Maggelena's ultimate goal for the child of little talent is to be crowned the "Prettiest Girl in Rome."
The patient Husband awaits, hoping one day Maggelena will see the light and get her dreams of vicarious stardom out of her system.
Maria knows her limitations. The girl has a screen test that ends in disaster. and the producers tell the mother that this child has zero talent. Maggelena has a fit at tells the producers off. After the girl's abortive screen test the producers eventually find work for the girl. But it's a little too late...Maggelena renounces show business and leaves showbiz, with daughter in tow, for good.
It seems that the mother, wonderfully acted by Magnani, wants her child to be a star...was it her dream to become Prettiest Girl in Rome when she was a child, and nothing became of it? Or does she see stardom a way to get out of poverty?
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