Variety Lights

The film Variety Lights was the first film by Fellini that I have seen. Despite his roots in cartoons, Fellini seemed as if comical slapstick humor was of little importance in this film. Characters did present some moments of humor, however, my enjoyment of the film was felt via reality. Variety Lights, along with The White Sheik, spontaneous moments of hilarity could be found not in forward jokes, but in the character's inner conflicts with personal fantasies and reality. Checco, obviously deeply interested in the leggy Liliana, proves to be a fairly comical character by way of Fellini's portrayal of Checco's stupidity. Lost in a fantasy of lust for Liliana and fame, Checco leaves his faithful fiance in order to pursue his dream of a meaningful relationship with Liliana and celebrity. However, the audience is shown that Checco's fantasy is niave. Liliana's character performs no action that proves her sincerity of feelings towards Checco. In fact, Liliana is clearly portrayed as a tease, interested only in her claim to stardom, rather than love. Furthermore, it is clear that Checco will not successfully fulfill his dream of fame due to Fellini's portrayal of Checco's "act", which proves to be no more than an amateur stage performance of silliness. It was through Checco's clash of fantasy with reality that made for the comical moments in the film. It is in this fact that I find Fellini's genius. Not only did Fellini use the failure of a person's dreams to make comical situations, but he did so in a manner that was subtle. While watching this movie, I had no clue as to the point of the plot. However, after reflection and analysis, Fellini proves that fantasy, no matter how niave, always seem to be pure in nature to the beholder of the dream. However, it is in nature's dealing with fantasy that makes for humor in life. Overall, not too shabby of a movie!