Journey of the Soul: A Critique of La Strada

La Strada, 1954

Directed By: Federico Fellini

Link to Trailer


The film follows a straightforward and innocent young woman from a small Italian coastal village named Gelsomina is the main character. Gelsomina becomes Zampan's assistant and is compelled to travel with him after her poor family sells her to the ruthless and vicious traveling circus artist. Zampano is known for his impressive strength displays, which include breaking chains and bending iron bars as part of his circus act. Additionally, he is harsh and emotionally aloof toward Gelsomina, mistreating her and frequently subjecting her to his violent outbursts. Despite being mistreated, Gelsomina is still loyal to Zampano because she feels like he adopted her. Gelsomina and Zampano run into a variety of people and situations while traveling together, including a troupe of wandering performers and a group of monks. Through her interactions with these individuals, Gelsomina starts to question her commitment to Zampano and becomes more aware of the world outside the circus. In a cruel and forgiving universe, the movie examines themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for purpose. As she learns to stand up for herself and carve out her own path in life, Gelsomina's journey is one of self-discovery and progress.

La Strada does not have a traditional Plot Device but the film does follow the characters and their interactions take center stage, and the narrative revolves around themes of love, cruelty, and personal growth.

Gelsomina, a straightforward and innocent young woman, and Zampan, a vicious and ruthless traveling circus act, are introduced at the start of the movie. Her poor family sells Gelsomina to Zampan, and so their journey together starts. This stage emphasizes Zampan's treatment of Gelsomina as being cruel and exploitative, and it also prepares the audience for their nomadic lifestyle.

Gelsomina and Zampan encounter a variety of people and circumstances while traveling with their circus performance, including other performers and a group of monks. Through her interactions with these individuals, Gelsomina gradually begins to change and begins to doubt her allegiance to Zampan. In this stage, Gelsomina's development and the changing dynamics between the two main characters are explored.

The connection between Gelsomina and Zampan is put to the test in the movie's climax scene. The film's dramatic conclusion emphasizes the effects of the characters' decisions and deeds during their journey. Their journey is brought to a poignant and introspective climax in the movie's closing seconds.

The main character changes that I noticed were in Gelsomina. As a young girl who has been sold by her family to Zampano, Gelsomina is innocent and naive at the beginning of the movie. She is exposed to the harsh truths of the world during their voyage, including Zampan's harshness and the challenging existence of traveling entertainers. She gradually loses her innocence as she has a better awareness of the world.

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