Plot: What’s it about?
Amelia Bonetti (Giulietta Masina) and Pippo Boticella (Marcello Mastroianni) haven’t worked together for over three decades, but a nationwide television special will host their reunion. The two made the rounds for fifteen years before the split, recreating the famous cinematic dances of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The 1940s found them in fame’s circle, with their moves delighting crowds to no end. But as with all things, the partnership eventually came to an end and Pippo and Amelia went their separate ways in life. The fall from fame impacted both, but Pippo found himself in a downward spiral, leading to alcohol abuse and even a stint in a mental institution. But after thirty years apart, Pippo and Amelia will reunite one more time for Ed Ecco a Voi, a famous variety show that presents all manner of entertainment. The show boasts such attractions as dwarves, edible panties, and acts that could pass as sideshow performances. So Pippo and Amelia represent a classier touch for the show, some sanity in the midst of the odd and off the wall other performers. As the two prepare to take the stage one more time, how will their performance be greeted, given some of the other acts involved?
A made for television production that satirizes made for television productions, a concept that doesn’t seem like one Federico Fellini would be at the helm of. But Fellini did indeed direct this affectionate look at the world of television, though you wouldn’t know it if his name wasn’t in the credits. Fellini is able to do a lot here with a minimal plot, including a showcase his usual variety of faces. Even with a parade of the interesting and unusual however, Fellini is unable to make Ginger & Fred seem as epic or magical as his other works of this kind. You can tell his approach has changed here, as he injects a number of cheap laugh moments and lowest common denominator type stuff. The grand vision of his masterworks is absent here, this has little trace of his golden touch, which is a real shame. The message is an also ran one, reminding us how television has lowered the bar for entertainment, but Ginger & Fred never rises above the same accusation. Fellini has a heavier hand here, keeping the material focused and restrained, which is perhaps why it lacks his usual atmosphere. The leads here, Fellini regulars Marcello Mastroianni and Giulietta Masina might be past their prime, but their performances are the highlight of this picture. As much as I love some of Fellini’s films, Ginger & Fred just isn’t that good, so a rental should suffice in most cases.
Video: How does it look?
Ginger & Fred is presented in 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen. This movie is over twenty years old while worn, it still looks better than a lot of movies from the 80s. The source print shows some minor flecks and nicks, but the compression is flawless, with no artifacts to be seen. The contrast is well executed with this black and white transfer, so the image is never obscured or over lightened. The shadows seem accurate and I could find no traces of detail loss at all. While not a eye opening presentation, this is still a more than solid transfer.
Audio: How does it sound?
There just isn’t much to discuss here, as the included Italian mono option is good, but won’t turn any heads, of course. This is a dialogue driven movie and that means mono is more than adequate, no real problems seem to surface here. The musical score comes through well, at least given the limitations of mono and the source material, of course. No errors in terms of dialogue either, which is crucial and all, since this is a movie dominated by dialogue, to be sure. Not much else to report to be honest, although optional English subtitles were included.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
