Introduction to "Ro.Go.Pa.G.""Ro.Go.Pa.G". is an anthology movie launched in 1963 that includes 4 sectors, each directed by a various filmmaker. The title is an acronym originated from the initials of the directors: Roberto Rossellini, Jean-Luc Godard, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and Ugo Gregoretti. Each director brings their unique styling and thematic preoccupations to their particular section, providing the film a series of tones and perspectives. The anthology format allows for a variety of social and political commentary, reflective of the turbulence and changes taking place in the early 1960s.
Roberto Rossellini's "Illibatezza" (Chastity)Rossellini's segment, "Illibatezza", follows the story of a young and attractive air stewardess named Annie, played by Rosanna Schiaffino, who is pursued by a relentless American man, Joe, in Hong Kong. Joe is determined to have a romantic encounter with her, but Annie withstands his advances due to her engagement to a man back in Rome. In spite of her clear absence of interest and dedication to her fiancé, Joe goes to extreme procedures to acquire a memento from her, eventually analyzing her chastity as a challenge. Rossellini utilizes the segment to explore styles of obsession and cultural clashes in between America's capitalist ideology and traditional European values.
Jean-Luc Godard's "Il Nuovo Mondo" (The New World)Godard's contribution, entitled "Il Nuovo Mondo", is a satirical take on the results of a nuclear explosion in Paris. The story examines the aftermath of the explosion through the eyes of a young couple, played by Alexandra Stewart and Jean-Marc Bory. This event seemingly causes only subtle changes, such as an absence of shadows and a strange reduction in the taste. As the lead character wanders through a surreal Paris, the movie contemplates the dehumanizing impact of innovation and modernity on society. Godard's signature speculative style and philosophical musings appear in this contemplative and sometimes spirited piece.
Pier Paolo Pasolini's "La Ricotta" (Curd Cheese)Pasolini's "La Ricotta" stars Orson Welles as a movie director shooting a movie about the Passion of Christ. The movie follows Stracci, an extra who plays a thief crucified together with Jesus. Stracci, played by Mario Cipriani, deals with poverty and hunger, which contrasts dramatically with the ostentatiousness and insensitivity of the film team and the stars around him. This segment is a sharp social criticism of the exploitation of the working class and the superficiality of art that stops working to address real human suffering. Pasolini's own passion for social justice and the plight of the marginalized is strongly showcased through his narrative.
Ugo Gregoretti's "Il Pollo Ruspante" (Free-Range Chicken)The tail end of the anthology, "Il Pollo Ruspante", directed by Ugo Gregoretti, is a satiric story about an Italian middle-class household's aspirations for modernity. The family is drawn into consumerism after listening to a convincing marketing pitch that applauds the benefits of a futuristic, tech-driven lifestyle. As the family attempts to adapt to these brand-new ideals and change their life accordingly, they experience paradoxes and contradictions. Gregoretti uses humor and paradox to critique the vacuum and absurdity of customer culture and its effect on private identity and household characteristics.
ConclusionIn summary, "Ro.Go.Pa.G". is a film that weaves together the unique creative voices of four influential directors to address intricate themes of modernity, social values, and humanity. The vignette-style structure enables each director to provide a self-contained story that however contributes to the film's cohesive critique of the times in which it was made. With a combination of drama, satire, and surrealism, "Ro.Go.Pa.G". provides a thought-provoking reflection on the early 1960s' cultural and social environments that continue to resonate with modern audiences.
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