Juliet of the Spirits (1965)

The first Fellini film in color, Juliet of the Spirits is one of the director's lesser-known works and one with enigmatic meanings. Intending to reveal the fantasies and inner world of Juliet (played by Fellini's wife, Giulietta Masina), the fantastic events still seem to be streaming from Fellini himself. Memorable moments -- like the seaside parade and a bed with a slide into a pool -- show the director indulging in his gift for painting bizarre images. However, the story suffers compared to the vivid appeal of the visual spectacle. Masina's talents are almost mocked as she seems uncomfortably placed in the realm of her husband's fantasies while playing a wronged wife. The parallel relationship of the fictional Juliet and Giorgio with Masina and Fellini is further complicated by the presence of the flamboyant Suzy (Sandra Milo), who appeared in 8 1/2 as the mistress. Apparently, the husband and wife fought on the set, and it is debatable as to what the ending scene means, where Juliet walks off into the distance. For Fellini, she is embracing her freedom; for Masina, she was descending into loneliness. Not the best picture from either, Fellini's La Strada and Nights of Cabiria make far better use of Masina's sweet and charming comic talents. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide