Laughter in Life-Threatening Situations: Reflections on Roberto Benigni’s Film "Life is Beautiful"

The article focuses on Roberto Benigni's film, Life is Beautiful and analyses the film's unique combination of comedy and drama which evokes intense emotions and prompts reflection on human existence in the face of incomprehensible suffering. This culturally and historically significant film has gained prominence in world cinema, becoming an important work of cinematic art. The article demonstrates how the director's approach to depicting the Holocaust through humour and love provokes debate about the role of cinematic art in portraying difficult themes. Despite the controversy, Life is Beautiful is an undeniable testament to human endurance and strength of spirit, reminding us that sparks of hope and beauty can be found even in the darkest moments. The humour in the film acts as a soothing element that offsets the weight of the difficult topic, while emphasising that laughter can be a form of resistance to suffering.

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Publication Details

Journal
Papers in Literature
Published
2024-10-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31648/pl.9198
Primary Topic
Italian Fascism and Post-war Society
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Laughter in Life-Threatening Situations: Reflections on Roberto Benigni’s Film "Life is Beautiful"

Anna Szwarc-Zając
Papers in Literature
Italian Fascism and Post-war Society
article

Laughter in Life-Threatening Situations: Reflections on Roberto Benigni’s Film "Life is Beautiful"

Anna Szwarc-Zając
article en

Abstract

The article focuses on Roberto Benigni's film, Life is Beautiful and analyses the film's unique combination of comedy and drama which evokes intense emotions and prompts reflection on human existence in the face of incomprehensible suffering. This culturally and historically significant film has gained prominence in world cinema, becoming an important work of cinematic art. The article demonstrates how the director's approach to depicting the Holocaust through humour and love provokes debate about the role of cinematic art in portraying difficult themes. Despite the controversy, Life is Beautiful is an undeniable testament to human endurance and strength of spirit, reminding us that sparks of hope and beauty can be found even in the darkest moments. The humour in the film acts as a soothing element that offsets the weight of the difficult topic, while emphasising that laughter can be a form of resistance to suffering.

Papers in Literature(12)
Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino (IT)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 71%
Italian Fascism and Post-war Society
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