Cast
View AllCarolina Catena
as Cabiria (Chlld)
Lidia Quaranta
as Cabiria (Adult)
Gina Marangoni
as Croessa
Dante Testa
as Karthalo
Umberto Mozzato
as Fulvio Axilla
Bartolomeo Pagano
as Maciste
Raffaele di Napoli
as Bodastoret - the Innkeeper
Emilio Vardannes
as Hannibal
Edoardo Davesnes
as Hasdrubal
Italia Almirante-Manzini
as Sophonisba - Hasdrubal's Daughter
Alex Bernard
as Siface "Syphax" - King of Cirta
Luigi Chellini
as Scipione "Scipio" - the Consul
Vitale Di Stefano
as Massinissa - the Numidian King
Enrico Gemelli
as Archimede
Ignazio Lupi
as Arbace
Crew
Director
- Giovanni Pastrone
Producer
- Giovanni Pastrone
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Cabiria 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 Giovanni Pastrone 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 1914, 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 Cabiria took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 148 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1914, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cabiria shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Take a Chance, which focuses more on action than character development, Cabiria subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A War Diary and Trilby explore similar territory, Cabiria stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 1, 1914
- Runtime: 2h 28m
