Bellissima (1951)
★ ★
What does it say that it wasn’t until I was reading reviews afterward that I discovered this is viewed as a comedy? I didn’t notice anything that stood out as exaggerated and goofy, and Italian comedy is tough to miss. What I watched is one of those films where the lead (Anna Magnani) dominates everyone else on screen. Always talking, always acting AND reacting, barreling like a steamroller until some final scenes get her to rethink her choices and the contrast makes for a better film. It’s not as extreme as Her Smell, but it does cover a similar path.
Rocco and His Brothers (1960)
★ ★
This 2nd watch was a slightly better experience. The first time, I couldn't see a reason for spending nearly 3 hours with this family, and was aching for it to be over. This time I'm post - La terra trema and I can see this is a family epic told in that style. It's The Godfather without the mafia, which is like Avengers: Endgame without superheroes. I just didn't find the brothers interesting. Meanwhile, the ladies either light up the screen or shout for attention.