Bellissima

Bellissima is a black-and-white Italian Neo-Realism film that was made 1951. The opening scene portrays hundreds of girls, ages six to eight, rushing to be the first in line at the tryouts. One girl will be chosen from the tryouts to be in the next film. Meanwhile one mother is desperately looking for her daughter Maria. Finally the mother finds Maria by the pool, and yells at her for disappearing. The mother believes it is too late for Maria to tryout, until one of the directors tells her that the auditions are not over. The mother demands that Maria tries out for the part.

Meanwhile the father is worried about them because they are never home after dark. Upon arriving home the mother says that they went to the city, but the father does not believe her. Eventually she ends up telling the truth. The father is not pleased, but he knows that he cannot change his wife’s wishes. Next, the film shows how the mother is always working, so that she can pay for the expanses. Also, the mother makes Maria take acting lessons from a retired actress. Maria wants nothing to do with anything concerning film. Next, the mother demands that Maria gets her picture taken, but Maria cries instead of smiles. Eventually the father asks Maria what is wrong, and she tells him that she does not want to be in film. Since, the mother is not very successful, she wants Maria to be famous to make up for it. Everything the mother does is to get Maria into film. Maria still does not want any part of it.

After several acting and dance lessons, the mother believes that Maria is ready to go to the screen test. The screen test displays how individuals will act while being taped. At first, Maria is fine with the screen test. Then she sees the camera and starts to cry. Meanwhile the mother is watching the screen test, and becomes upset that everyone is laughing at her daughter. The mother is heartbroken, and realizes that all her dreams are destroyed. Maria and her mother go to a park, but lose track of time. Finally, they return home, only to find the film contractors in the kitchen. The film director states how he needs a girl that can show emotion, and Maria is the best one for the part. Maria’s mother is upset with the film director. In fact, she tells him to leave the house, and that Maria will never be in film. This film demonstrates how individuals have to be themselves. People should not try to live their life through someone else.