Ingrid Bergman and neorealism I heard and read so many reviews coming into watching this film. I am not familiar with European style of movie making, neorealism and all that, but as a huge Ingrid Bergman fan, I felt compelled to see every movie she was in.
I read many criticsm on how Bergman does not belong to neorealism. Bergman destroyed and betrayed the idea and legacy of Roberto Rossellini who had been hailed as one true auteur by Italian cinema just because she brought this Hollywood persona into the picture. In neorealism concept everyone is on par with everybody and nobody is allowed to outshine anybody because they were suppossed to be 'street' or real actors. So they made Bergman wore this frumpy, drab and oversized clothes so Bergman would look much less appealling. And they FAILED miserably and thus lies the main problem.
I actually like and appreciate this film very much. I love actors who have 'range'. Who are not afraid to venture something new, unchartered territory. Who doesnt afraid to experiment. Who have guts and gusto. That's why I love Ingrid Bergman. She for me represents courage, gusto, determination, strength, vulnerability and beauty all wrapped into one. There won't be anybody like her.