An Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film, Federico Fellini's powerful 1954 classic stars Anthony Quinn as Zampano, a brutal, insensitive strong man who performs his chain-breaking act in villages across the Italian countryside. Giulietta Masina (Fellini's wife) delivers a heartrending performance as Gelsomina, the spirited waif who is purchased--and badly mistreated--by Zampano. When the traveling duo meet up with kindred circus performer Matto (Richard Basehart), Zampano and Matto fight, and Gelsomina has the chance to escape with Matto, but refuses, with later tragic consequences. A haunting, beautiful film--and perhaps the simplest story Fellini ever told--La Strada is given Criterion's characteristically beautiful spit polish job, with a gorgeous, sharp digital transfer, and crisp Dolby Digital mono sound. DVD extras include a touching 14-minute introduction (with clips) by Martin Scorsese, audio commentary by film historian Peter Bondanella, and the hour-shy made-for-Italian TV documentary Federico Fellini's Autobiography. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)
La Strada
Criterion, 2 discs, 108 min., in Italian w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $39.95 Volume 19, Issue 2
La Strada
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