The Voice of the Moon

The Voice of the Moon is a 1990 Italian movie directed by Federico Fellini. It remains one of Fellini's last works before he passed away in 1993. The film stars Roberto Benigni as Ivo Salvini, a man that believes he hears the voice of the moon. Salvini is a bit of a social outcast, and the people in his small Italian town think he's a madman for hearing a voice that no one else can.

The movie opens with Salvini being released from a mental institution after a long stay. He meets Gonnella, played by Paolo Villaggio, who is equally eccentric, and the two quickly become friends. The film unfolds as Salvini is on a quest to find the meaning behind the voice of the moon he hears. It is a journey that takes him all over Italy and into bizarre scenarios.

Salvini is constantly chasing both the voice of the moon and his muse, Aldina, played by Marisa Tomasi. Aldina is a woman that Salvini is fascinated with, and he is convinced that she holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the moon. The two characters cross paths repeatedly in the film, often in humorous and surreal ways.

Throughout the movie, Salvini struggles to make sense of the world around him. He has odd jobs, such as selling calendars, and as he travels through various locations, he meets a wide array of characters. Nadia Ottaviani, Angelo Orlando, Uta Schmidt, Nigel Harris, and Susy Blady play supporting roles, each adding their unique personalities to the cast.

The Voice of the Moon is a surreal movie that is quintessentially Fellini. The film explores themes of alienation, meaning, and identity. It also serves as a love letter to Italy, with scenes that depict the country's beauty and the charm of its people.

Fellini's direction is superb, and he has once again succeeded in crafting a visually stunning movie. His use of light and shadow, as well as his ability to capture the essence of different places, is nothing short of remarkable. The cinematography is also stunning, and the movie is a feast for the eyes.

The performances in the movie are also top-notch. Roberto Benigni brings a manic energy to his portrayal of Salvini. He's a bundle of nervous energy that is simultaneously charming and bewildering. Paolo Villaggio is also superb as Gonnella, bringing a sense of world-weariness to his character.

Overall, The Voice of the Moon is a surreal and thought-provoking movie that is a must-see for fans of Fellini. The movie is a fitting tribute to the director's legacy and serves as a reminder of his unique talent. It's a love letter to Italy and to the oddball characters that inhabit it. It's also a melancholic exploration of the human condition and the meaning we place on the world around us.