Movie spotlight
Come fu che Masuccio Salernitano, fuggendo con le brache in mano, riuscì a conservarlo sano
The characters are two ruffians in various disguises: as false priests, they sell a rotten arm pretending it to be a relic of St. Luke; they cheat a stingy friar who abuses of the confessional to get rich and, once he finds out he's been cheated, gives himself sacramental absolution. They help the noble Filippo, disguised as a woman, in the alcove of the innkeeper's wife; they save from despair Fra Martino who had forgotten his underwear in his lover's house (one of them disguised as a cardinal retrieve the garment and expose it as a relic to the devotion of the faithful). To live with their lovers, Brother Jeronimo strives exorcisms and frà Partenope pretends to fight with the devil
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the life and works of Masuccio Salernitano, a 15th-century Italian poet known for his novellas. Director Roberto Rossellini explores the historical context of Salernitano's writings, examining his contributions to Italian literature and the society of his time. The film offers insights into the humanist movement and the challenges faced by artists and intellectuals during the Renaissance.
Critical Reception
As a documentary focusing on a specific historical figure, 'Come fu che Masuccio Salernitano...' received limited theatrical release and is more of an academic or historical piece. Critical reviews are scarce, but it is generally recognized for its meticulous research and Rossellini's characteristic educational approach to filmmaking. Audience reception is niche, appealing primarily to those interested in Italian Renaissance literature and history.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its thorough historical exploration of Masuccio Salernitano.
Seen as an informative, albeit specialized, documentary.
Highlights Rossellini's dedication to educational cinema.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific documentary is not readily available, suggesting a limited audience engagement through that platform.
Fun Fact
Roberto Rossellini, famous for his neorealist films, used his later directorial career to focus on historical documentaries, often exploring pivotal figures and periods in European history, as he did with Masuccio Salernitano.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources