Appearance
Accattone
Written and directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini in his directorial debut, Accattone (1961) is a seminal work of Italian cinema that transitions from the traditions of neorealism to a more personal, poetic style. The film stars Franco Citti as Vittorio "Accattone" Cataldi, a pimp living on the fringes of society in the slums of Rome. When his primary source of income, Maddalena, is arrested, Accattone finds himself struggling to survive without resorting to honest labor, which he considers beneath him.
His life takes a turn when he meets the innocent Stella (Franca Pasut), and for a moment, he attempts to redeem himself through a legitimate job. However, the pull of the underworld and his own tragic fate lead to a grim conclusion. The film is noted for its gritty portrayal of the Roman sub-proletariat and its use of sacred music by Bach to elevate the struggles of its "low-life" characters.
Locations
Accattone was filmed entirely on location in Rome, avoiding the city's famous landmarks in favor of the desolate suburbs and working-class districts that Pasolini knew intimately.
Pigneto District in Rome
The heart of the movie was filmed in the Pigneto district, east of the city center. At the time, it was a poverty-stricken "semi-suburb" characterized by low hovels and cracked walls. The bar where Accattone and his friends spend their days was located on the corner of Via Fanfulla da Lodi and Via del Pigneto. Map Location
Via Appia Antica in Rome
In a rare departure from the slums, the film utilizes the ancient Appian Way for a pivotal scene where Accattone takes Stella to begin her life of prostitution. The contrast between the monumental Roman statues and their desperate situation highlights the characters' marginalization. Map Location
Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome
The historic bridge provides a dramatic backdrop for a scene where Accattone, in a moment of reckless bravado, jumps into the Tiber River after a heavy meal to show off to his friends. Map Location
Via Ettore Giovenale in Rome
This street served as the location for Accattone's humble home, a shack typical of the working-class suburbs of the 1960s. The production used real dwellings in the area to maintain the film's documentary-like authenticity. Map Location
Director
Pier Paolo Pasolini
Cast
Franco Citti
Franca Pasut
Silvana Corsini
IMDB
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