Roberto Rossellini: Life Beyond the Lens, a New Documentary
Roberto Rossellini, a cinematic giant of Italian neorealism, continues to resonate decades after his sudden passing in June 1977. A new documentary, Living Without a Script, unveils the lesser-known aspects of his life beyond the camera, presenting a portrait of a man constantly seeking new horizons.
A Life in Motion
The film depicts Rossellini as an individual driven by diverse passions, from racing cars to delving into the intricacies of biology and physics. He embraced television, a medium many of his contemporaries shunned, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to storytelling.
His daughter, Isabella Rossellini, reflects on her father's legacy, recalling her mother, Ingrid Bergman's poignant words: "Dad left us quickly, just as quickly as he drove his Ferrari."
A Scandalous Union
Isabella candidly discusses the tumultuous period surrounding her parents' relationship. Their affair, which began on the set of Stromboli terra di Dio in 1950, ignited a media firestorm, particularly impacting Bergman's career.
Bergman, already a celebrated figure, faced immense public backlash for her relationship with Rossellini, both being married at the time. This scandal led to her virtual exile from Hollywood and harsh condemnation, even from the U.S. Senate.
Despite the controversy, their relationship resulted in three children, including twins Isabella and Isotta. The documentary features touching home movie footage of the young girls, providing a glimpse into their family life amidst the chaos.
Artistic Struggles and Personal Turmoil
The film also explores Rossellini's artistic struggles in the wake of the scandal. Critics, once adoring, turned against his work. He expressed disillusionment with the film industry, even declaring his desire to leave it behind.
A trip to India in 1956 provided a new chapter. Rossellini's letters to his daughters reveal encounters with the Dalai Lama and Prime Minister Nehru, painting a picture of his adventurous spirit. However, his affair with screenwriter Sonali Dasgupta led to his separation from Bergman in 1957 and his departure from India.
Family Bonds and Complex Arrangements
Isabella dispels the notion of her father as an absent figure. She recounts summer holidays spent on the Amalfi Coast, where the extended family would gather, transcending the complexities of their parents' relationships.
She describes unconventional domestic arrangements, with the children living in their own apartment and receiving visits from both parents, who had moved on to new relationships. Despite the unusual setup, Isabella emphasizes the constant presence and influence of her father.
Discovering a Cinematic Legacy
Interestingly, Isabella's appreciation for her parents' cinematic work came later in life. Initially unaware of her father's fame, she gradually understood his impact through public recognition.
She secretly attended a retrospective of his films at the age of 16, an experience that deeply moved both her and her father. Since then, she has immersed herself in his work, finding particular resonance in Journey to Italy, a film that explores the complexities of marriage.
Reflections on Protection and Regret
Isabella addresses her father's discouragement of Bergman from working with other directors, suggesting it stemmed from a desire to protect her from the scrutiny and challenges they faced in America.
She notes that Bergman's return to Hollywood with Anastasia (1956), which earned her an Oscar, might have been perceived as a rejection of their shared past.
Isabella's Renaissance
The documentary also highlights Isabella's own flourishing career, including her recent Oscar nomination for Conclave and her upcoming role in a Wallis Simpson biopic. Beyond acting, she has directed short films, demonstrating her creative versatility.
Now residing on her farm in Long Island, Isabella pursues her passion for ethology, inspired by her father's encouragement to follow her curiosity. She trains guide dogs and draws fulfillment from her connection with animals.
She recalls her father's invaluable advice: "If you follow your curiosity, you always find joy," a guiding principle that has shaped her life's journey.
