Watch The Clowns

The Clowns is a 1970 Italian documentary film directed by Federico Fellini. The film examines the history of clowning and the role of the clown in society. The film showcases various different types of clowns, ranging from traditional circus clowns to modern day street performers. The film is divided into several different segments, each exploring a different aspect of clowning. The first segment focuses on the history of clowning, tracing it back to its roots in ancient Greek theatre. The film then moves on to explore the various different types of clowns, from the traditional white-faced clown to the modern day clown.

One of the most striking elements of the film is its use of color. The film is shot in vibrant colors, with Fellini using this palette to create a highly stylized and surreal visual style. The use of color is particularly effective in the scenes featuring the traditional circus clowns, with their bright red noses and bold costumes.

Another key element of the film is its exploration of the relationship between the clown and the audience. Fellini is interested in the way that the clown uses humor and absurdity to challenge the norms of society and to connect with the audience on a deeper level. This is particularly evident in the scenes featuring the modern day clowns, who use their performances to comment on social and political issues.

The Clowns also features a number of interviews with famous clowns, including the beloved Italian clown, Charlie Rivel. These interviews provide an insight into the life of a clown and the challenges that they face in their profession.

The film is notable for its use of music, with a number of iconic songs featured throughout the film. One of the most memorable scenes features a clown riding a bike, accompanied by the tune of Nino Rota's "La Strada".

Overall, The Clowns is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the world of clowning. Fellini uses humor and absurdity to delve into deeper themes, including the role of the artist in society and the power of connection between performer and audience. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the art of clowning or the work of Federico Fellini.

The Clowns is a 1970 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.