Juliet of the Spirits [Giulietta degli Spiriti] **** (1965, Giulietta Masina, Sandra Milo, Mario Pisu) – Classic Movie Review 3,389

Federico Fellini’s wife Giulietta Masina is stupendous as a fantasising Rome housewife, in his 1965 first full-length colour film Juliet of the Spirits. Sandra Milo is outstanding in star support as her eccentric, high-class prostitute neighbour.

Federico Fellini’s real-life wife Giulietta Masina is stupendous in his 1965 film Juliet of the Spirits as Giulietta (Juliet) Boldrini, a middle-aged, middle-class Roman housewife who fears that her husband, Giorgio (Mario Pisu), is unfaithful and enters into a series of grotesque, surreal fantasies.

One rare night when Giorgio is home, she wakes up to catch him talking on the phone to another woman. He calls out ‘Gabriella’ while sleeping but lies his way out of it. [Spoiler alert] Eventually, the 40-something Giulietta ‘s visions and memories help her realise she will be better off without the cheating Giorgio and help her to find the strength to leave him.

Co-writer/director Federico Fellini is on inspired form in his first full-length colour film, released in 1965. It is thoroughly provocative, inventive and entertaining, and, though less well known than La Dolce Vita or 8  1/2, it is now widely recognised as one of his best movies.

Gianni Di Venanzo’s cinematography, Piero Gherardi’s astounding set designs and costumes, and Nino Rota’s score are outstanding major assets.

Sandra Milo is outstanding in star support as Giulietta’s eccentric, high-class prostitute neighbour Suzy, who encourages her into sexual acts that make her feel guilty. Milo also plays Iris and Fanny.

Also in the cast are Valentina Cortese, José de Villalonga, Fredrich Ledebur (Friedrich von Ledebur), Alba Cancellieri, Caterina Boratto as Giulietta’s mother, Luisa Della Noce, Sylva Koscina, Lou Gilbert as Grandfather, Valeska Gert, Silvana Jachino, Milena Vukotic, Fred Williams, Dany Paris, Anne Francine, Inna Alexievna, George Ardisson, Mario Conocchia, Dina De Santis, Rosella De Sepio and Bob Edwards.

It won the 1965 New York Film Critics award and the 1966 Golden Globe for best foreign language film. It was modestly advertised as ‘Fellini’s Masterpiece’, but that really is La Dolce Vita or 8  1/2, superb though this film is.

Fellini claimed he took LSD in preparation to make the film.

Giulietta Masina (1921–1994).

Sandra Milo (born Salvatrice Elena Greco; 11 March 1933 – 29 January 2024) won a Nastro d’Argento for Best Supporting Actress for each of her roles in Federico Fellini’s 8½ and Juliet of the Spirits.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3389

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