- Rossellini's War Trilogy (Rome, Open City, the war, Germany 2010) Feedback
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Rossellini filmed before and after World War II, the three immortal movie of. From "Rome" exposing the evils of fascism and showing the glory of human nature, to the six short stories of "Fire of War", and then to "Germany" deeply discussing the sequelae of fascism in the early post-war period. They are capable and compact, closely surrounding the theme of war. At the same time, each shows a unique and respectable place—especially considering the year of their production and the calm artistry that is inconsistent with the flustered era.
"Rome" is a very "orthodox" feature film in terms of shooting techniques, but its plot is full of twists and turns, and every climax of the plot is highly expressive. People of different identities in the film (underground communists, bishops of the Catholic Church, housewives, children, etc.) came together because of resistance to ugliness. The director did not highlight anyone’s personal identity, but showed a kind of transcendence. Perseverance to ideals and beliefs. On the other hand, the various brutal behaviors of fascists are the opposite, which greatly stretched the tension of the story. Although the positive force has ended tragically, its ultimate victory is emotionally inevitable. (Objectively speaking, this is also the method used in the routine of this kind of film; considering that World War II was not completely over when the film was shot, and the overall quality of the film is high, even if it is not “out of the clichés” in some aspects from an extremely harsh point of view, it is still Respectful.) There is also a section of German military officer's self-reflection. Although it is more artificial, considering the actual situation at the time, it promotes the meaning of the whole film.
This film seemed to be regarded as a communist education film by some people in the decades after the war. In fact, this is a misunderstanding. Although some of its protagonists are indeed Communists, the ideas, behaviors, and social positions of the Communist Party at that time (at least the Italian Underground Communist Party under the lens of Roche) and the Communist Party that later gained power in some countries were irrelevant. Same day. Moreover, the film does not invoke any communist ideas. The reason why all the characters are their identities is because artistic characters need identities, and in the real situation at the time, giving them these identities is the most realistic. The meaning of the business they are engaged in together—not the meaning of identity—is the focus of the film. It is always not a particularly desirable behavior to seek positive support for yourself in historical works like rushing to the doctor. It cannot eloquently argue for your views or actions, and it will only expose your ignorance, falsehood, and one This is a weak mentality that is full of fear of the future and eager to self-proclaim.
"Fire of War", six short stories before and after World War II that took place in different regions. The clever point of the film is that the director does not miss the camera when it is time to close, and sometimes even leaves an open ending. This makes the film full of space and the tight rhythm of the story makes it impossible for viewers to leave the screen, neither their eyes nor their brains. . The following are some of my personal simple understandings.
First, it shows the sensitivity and fear among people during the war, and it directly leads to unnecessary tragedies. The root of fear lies in the mutual killing of different camps and identities, and the connection between behavior and the position of the perpetrator is often in fact vague. (Here is a quote from Mitchell in "Gone with the Wind" in Ashley's mouth: "The doctrine is gone as long as the gun is fired.") It finally evolved into a simple between different people and different people. Hostility and suspicion. This also proves from the side that no matter what the reason is, the ultimate victim of a murder is always an innocent person.
The film spent a lot of energy describing the chat between the girl and the American soldiers on the ruins of the sea, from the sea to the family, looking hazy and distant. This is the manifestation of the instinct of mutual kindness between people in the most difficult situations, and it makes the final tragic ending very embarrassing.
Second, its protagonist is a black American soldier and an Italian child. Roche gave this black man a noble heart. Considering the year of its production, this is a story that moved other viewers and made Americans blush.
Third, there is a love scene after the liberation of the city of Rome. It talks about the different attitudes of men and women towards momentary love. Women are more emotional. She is forgetful, but easily moved, so she appears to change, and she has an innocent naivety and impulse. Men are more rational. He treasures beautiful occurrences, but only as a kind of memory. When memories collide with reality, he will never let the former influence the latter. At the end of the film, the man leaves the city with the troops, while the woman stands under the eaves in the rain waiting for his return. Obviously, according to the above logic, she won't wait for him too long, because there are many people and things that can move her; and he will always remember this episode, but no longer regard it as a part of reality. The film didn't get to this point. It ended at the right time, leaving a story of a different world, half of the man belongs to the man, and half of the woman belongs to the woman.
Fourth, two people of different identities crossed the German blockade, one for the family, and the other for the guerrilla "wolf" who might have a special relationship with her (he was originally an artist). The former successfully traversed under the cover of a soldier to cover the death of his soldier; the latter learned of the death of the "wolf" when he picked up the dying soldier. The short film tells how difficult it is for people to survive in the turbulent years; and even in such a difficult environment, there are still people who risk their lives for others. This may only be a kind of noble instinct of people.
Five, three Americans, one Catholic, one Protestant, and one Jew stay in an Italian monastery. The film explores the gods shared by rival denominations but cannot be shared. The non-frontline Italian Catholic clergy were caught in panic due to the intrusion of "lost people" (Protestants and Jews), and even fasted atonement. However, American Catholics who had returned from the front line persuaded them to follow the narrow dogma. See the broader compassion and value of us as a person. The film ends with the American's speech, leaving an open ending as well.
Sixth, the story of a resistance who was cruelly executed by fascists. It is the most straightforward of the six short films. There may be strong practical considerations to use it as the ending film. In fact, given the compactness and rendering power of the story itself, it should be said to be a success.
"Germany", this is an extremely concise but profound film. It reveals the different psychological distortions fascism brings to different people. After its final demise, this distortion turned into a social deformity of the reconstruction era. At the same time, because the entire country is thriving, some people have exposed the ugly side of human nature because of their material needs and dissatisfaction. Two-thirds of the film is about these deformities and ugliness, until the boy obeyed the instigation of his fascist teacher and killed his father.
Nearly one-third of the last part of the film uses a long shot to record the boy's psychological changes after the killing of his father. This regret eventually led to his suicide. At the same time, his brother, who was a fascist soldier, finally decided to stop avoiding and face life again (it was his father's inadvertent "dying words" that opened this door for him). Between life and death, it seems that society has accomplished some kind of salvation for itself. But what struck me most about the film was the price paid for this kind of salvation. Its weight seemed to be a wake-up call to the future generations of the price of political terrorism. On the surface, it was persecution, slaughter, and the destruction of history; but spiritually, The impact it brings is greater, it will change the minds of a whole generation or even several generations, and it may require greater sacrifice and longer time to restore it.
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