The Family
"The Family," an album with a velvet cover, is meant to touch the extended family of man. Formal portraits, bookends in this 80-year saga, enclose the central story, which opens with the baptism of Carlo, a baby in his grandfather's lap, and ends with Carlo as a grandfather with a baby in his arms. And never once do we get out of the house, whose rooms provide the film's structure. Comfort or passion? Carlo couldn't really decide until it was too late.
Insights
Plot Summary
This Italian film chronicles the life of an Italian family over several decades, focusing on their relationships, dreams, and the passage of time. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative explores the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures, that define familial bonds and individual destinies.
Critical Reception
The Family received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise for its ambitious scope and the performances of its cast. Some critics found the film's episodic nature to be uneven, while others lauded its poignant exploration of Italian society and the universal themes of family and memory.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its nostalgic portrayal of family life and the evolution of Italian society.
- Vittorio Gassman's performance was frequently highlighted as a standout.
- Some found the film's structure lacking cohesion.
Google audience: Audience reception information for 'The Family (1987)' on Google is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
Fun Fact
Ettore Scola originally envisioned this film as a stage play before adapting it for the screen.
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