Cast
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Crew
Director
- Roberto Rossellini
Producer
- Roberto Rossellini
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Ingrid Bergman is "Karin" desperate to escape from post-war austerity, so she alights on the young Italian "Antonio" (Mario Vitale) and relocates to his somewhat barren home near the eponymous volcano. Once there, though, she struggles with the mundanity, the routine and the harshness of life in his village - one that is also suffering the lasting effects of the recently ended war, and is now largely devoid of any population. It turns out that her new husband isn't quite the catch she anticipated either - indeed he is somewhat of a brute. What can she do now? First thing I would say is make sure you watch the original version with subtitles (if you need them) - it adds so much more to the authenticity of this film, and oddly enough, that is really all the film has going for it. The pace here is just about as downbeat and pedestrian as the life she depicts on her island. It plods along without much headway before an ending that seemed to take much more than 90 minutes to get to. As you'd expect from Rossellini, the film has a certain class to it and the bleakness of the volcanic environment works well to create the mood for the film - it is just a fairly dialogue heavy one that isn't very cheery.
Dec 27, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Stromboli examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Roberto Rossellini brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1950, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Stromboli took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.9 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1950, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stromboli shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancing at Lughnasa, which focuses more on action than character development, Stromboli offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Return of Martin Guerre and Viridiana explore similar territory, Stromboli stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 15, 1950
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Budget: $900,000
Where to Watch
