The Rose Tattoo (1955)

Upon meeting Alvaro, a happy and carefree man who reminds her of her deceased husband, Serafina emerges from her reclusive life and finds solace in this man who is startlingly similar to her beloved husband. Not only does Alvaro have the same occupation as her late husband, but he also has the same rose tattoo on his chest. Seeing these common traits between the two men as a sign, Serefina’s life takes a change for the better.

Painful to Watch Burt

Burt Lancaster is one of my all-time favorite actors. But it is painful to watch him in this movie. His terrible accent jumps between Sicily and the Bronx. He is "Elmer Gantry" without the proper role or dialogue to match his performance or ability. He is terribly miscast and unconvincing as Alvaro to Anna Magnani's Serafina.

It is no coincidence that for a movie that won three Oscars and received an additional five nominations Lancaster received no recogniton whatsoever from the Academy. He is as convincing an Italian as Donald Trump would be if he tried to act like a modest man.

Magnani won the academy award as Best Actress for her performance in a very bad year for movies (1955). In "The Rose Tattoo" she merely bounces from one emotional outburst to the next, screaming and yelling in each scene. She brings no nuance or subtlety to the character. Marisa Pavan, who plays her daughter, does. Her character's struggle to find love while dealing with an irrational, raging mother brings out a genuine sweetness in her performance.

Magnani's performance with Marlon Brando in "The Fugitive Kind" (1959) is far superior to this one. In that movie, as the long suffering wife, she is sublime and sensual. Her character's strong emotional longings are barely concealed beneath the surface until Brando walks into her life and ignites them.

Either the writing, direction, or both in "The Rose Tatoo" prevent Magnani from exhibiting the dynamic acting ability displayed in the later movie. But Burt, it hurt to watch you in a role you never should have taken, no matter how bad the dialogue. October 13, 2008

Marvelous!

The writing, directing, and Anna Magnani's acting were superb. Burt Lancaster was miscast--he definitely didn't carry the nuance and intonation of a Sicilian truck driver, yet he still expressed many of the lines with verve and delight. There are no words to express the level of feeling and understanding Magnani brought to her role--truly magical and magnificent! So much of human nature is revealed in this beutifully crafted film. It's one you can see many times, never tire of, because it has the stamp of genius and masterpiece written all over it. October 13, 2008

The Rose Tattoo

Magnani was already an international star when lured to Hollywood to do this sterling adaptation of Tennessee Williams's play. The earthy, fiery Italian actress inhabits the central role of Serafina like a second skin. Magnani's powerfully expressive face betrays the conflicting emotions of a proud but wounded woman facing the prospect--and attendant risks--of new love. Though Lancaster is miscast as Alvaro, he wins points for spirit and effort. June 27, 2007

Big disappointment

When I ordered, I couldn't find the region it was compatible for. Now I can't watch it because it can't be watched in Europe. May 12, 2007

Emotional Performance stands the test of time

Anna Magnani's Oscar winning performance sizzles through the decades and retains poignancy. Her organic method creates a believable and sympathetic character. The stereotypical view of Italians however is worse than the Soprano's. We even enjoyed second viewing with my 82-year-old father who said that Ms. Magnani's portrayal of the Italian immigrant seamstress was an early example of a more naturalistic approach to acting. February 11, 2007

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