The Big Night is a 1959 Italian film directed by Italian director and screenwriter, Federico Fellini. The film is a vivid portrayal of the life of young people in Rome, highlighting their struggles, dreams, and desires.
The three young men at the heart of the story are Fausto, Moraldo, and Alberto. They are played by Franco Interlenghi, Jacques Sernas, and Franco Fabrizi, respectively. The three actors give outstanding performances, capturing the essence of their characters' personalities and their youthful exuberance.
The film opens with Fausto, Moraldo, and Alberto stealing a 12-gauge shotgun and planning to sell it on the black market. They then spend the day in the city, trying to make money by any means possible. They end up spending the evening with three streetwalkers, with whom they negotiate a price. However, things take a turn when the prostitutes steal their money, and the boys are left with nothing. The night ends with the boys getting into a fight and Alberto being badly beaten.
As the film progresses, we see the boys engaging in more criminal activities, such as stealing bicycles, breaking into stores, and harassing people on the street. They also spend time at a local bar, where they meet a group of gay men who become the target of their aggression.
The film, despite its gritty realism, has a deeply introspective quality. It explores the psychology of the young men, revealing what drives them to a life of crime, and how they struggle to find meaning in their lives. Fellini's direction is masterful, creating a palpable sense of tension and drama throughout.
Ultimately, The Big Night is a powerful commentary on the state of youth in post-war Italy. It is a film that captures the struggles of a generation dealing with poverty, lack of opportunity, and societal pressures. Despite its bleak subject matter, the film ends on a note of hope, suggesting that change is possible, and that redemption is within reach.
