Bread and Tulips Review + Article Question

1.  Read the "Rascaroli passage" inside this folder which gives a definition of European road movies.  To what extent, and why, does the film Bread and Tulips fall within this genre? Are you able to discern in this film "the European reality of a mosaic of nations, cultures, languages and roads which are separated by geographical, political, and economic boundaries and customs"? 

This movie fits the European Road Movie qualities well. It follows a middle aged woman named Rosalba and her adventures she goes on through Italy. What makes this movie a particularly well fit is in part reason because Rosalba is an average Italian citizen not some sort of rebel or outcast. Another reason is due to how well this movie exsposes Italy geographically, putting heavy influence of the numerous cultures, languages, art work of different heritage influences such as Greek. This movie does a really good job at portraying all characteristics of a European Road movie.

2. Compare how the film/camera portrays the city of Venice (destination) and the city of Pescara (from which the main character has left and returns)?  What are the differences and similarities?

Pescara, Rosalba's home village or town, is portrayed in a very condisending, low level society, with a lagging image of the rise of technology. The colors used are somewhat a little more dull and less vibrant, even though the film is mostly shot in a very vibrant and extreme solor sence. Venice however, is portrayed as a very well manicured and well kept place. With well kept people, with proper speak, and a law abiding way of life. This is a great contrast the director uses to captivate what Rosalba has and what she's known her whole life, oppose to what she has been wanting, craving and looking for in her life.

3.  What discoveries does Rosalba make in the film, about her own identity and about her culture?

Rosalba slowley but surely discovers what a dull and managed life she lives. She is constantly being pushed and commanded around by her brute of a husband and her children more towards the begining show her little respect/affection. She discovers her grand past of her grandparents and what they went through living in Italy in a previous time frame. She gets much more in touch with her roots and who she is as a person. She also see's what true love feels like and how a real healthy relationship functions. Rosalba becomes one with the idea that she can live her life how she wants, and not fit into so many stereotypes about woman and what they can and cannot do.