#inspriations

Welcome to the third part of this series dedicated to the movie La Chimera by Alice Rochwacher.

After diving through the archeological background of the film, let‘s look at the cinematic inspirations behind Rochwacher‘s film.

Fellini's illusionnal worlds impact on La Chimera

Italian cinema has profoundly influenced Rohrwacher’s work. Federico Fellini’s Roma is a dreamlike exploration of the Italian capital, weaving together historical figures, fantastical scenarios, and Fellini’s own memories. The film’s episodic structure and its blurring of lines between reality and imagination resonate with La Chimera. In La Chimera, the tomb robbers’ pursuit of their Chimera – a symbol of personal redemption or a lost love – takes them on a journey that is both physical and metaphorical. Just as Fellini’s characters navigate a fantastical Rome, the characters in La Chimera delve into the mysteries hidden beneath the earth, encountering unexpected discoveries that challenge their perceptions of reality.

Plus, Alice directly quote some shots of Fellini‘s Roma, such as the sequences of tombs opening. These fleeting moments are shot exactly the same : once the tomb is opened, the fresco slightly react to the air, thus tragically disappearing.

Fellini's Roma, 1972

To see the iconic sequence, follow this link :

Following Pasolini's footsteps

Another tribute is made to Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Accattone. This a starkly different film, a neo-realist masterpiece that depicts the harsh realities of life on the fringes of Roman society. The film’s central character, Accattone, is a petty criminal struggling to survive. Pasolini avoids romanticizing Accattone, instead portraying him as a product of his environment and the social forces that keep him trapped in poverty. This approach to character development is evident in La Chimera. The film’s tomb robbers are not portrayed as heroic adventurers, but rather as individuals driven by desperation and the desire for a better life. Their pursuit of the Chimera is a collective endeavor, reflecting the shared dreams and struggLe of their community.

Pasolini's Accatone, 1961

As a conclusion

By drawing inspiration from the surrealism of Fellini, and the social realism of Pasolini, Alice Rohrwacher has created a unique cinematic blend in La Chimera. The film’s exploration of themes such as loss, longing, and the search for meaning is enriched by these diverse influences, resulting in a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Look up her interview on YouTube :

Enjoy !