Fellini’s scampagnata, picnic, in Amarcord, a semi-autobiographical narrative, tells about an ordinary alfresco lunch set in the shade of the yard of a farmhouse. What is served is unknown, but there are bottles of raffia-bound Chianti, a bowl of hard-boiling eggs, and bread.
They have all gone to look for Uncle Theo.
Thinking that Uncle Theo deserves a day out from the psychiatric hospital where he resides, the family treats him to a picnic lunch. There is always the possibility that Theo will act out, and the family is wary. At first, Theo is docile, but then, he abruptly runs out into a field, climbs a tree, and begins shouting, “Voglio una donna,” “I want a woman.”
All hell breaks loose. The adults are embarrassed and desperately attempt to coax him out of the tree. But Tetta, a preadolescent boy, watches intently, not quite sure of what Theo means but knowing it’s causing much anxiety for the family.
Featured Image: Titta Biondi (Bruno Zanin) watches as Uncle Theo (Ciccio Ingrassia) up a tree.
See: Federico Fellini. Amarcord (1973). The screenplay is by Tonino Guerra and Federico Fellini. New World Pictures.
*Amarcord means nostalgic memories.