Elevator to the Gallows vs. Nights of Cabiria

KingofPain

on 12/4/2010

Two of my favorite movies involving women who walk around at night. In Nights of Cabiria, Giulietta Masina plays a prostitute who is looking for a good man. In Elevator to the Gallows, Jeanne Moreau is looking for her lover who is trapped in a elevator. As far as performances go, Giulietta Masina puts on a lively show while Jeanne Moreau is much more understated. In fact, Moreau does a lot more walking around than acting. I almost think of her as an appealing image rather than a person. And, actually, Elevator to the Gallows doesn't focus entirely on Moreau, but also follows two impetuous young folks who stole her lover's car. Nights of Cabiria is all about Masina. I'm gonna say that I like Elevator to the Gallows more for its visuals, jazz soundtrack and general mood. Nights of Cabiria is appeals to me entirely for the character and Masina's energy as an actress. So, I suppose that's why I like Cabiria a bit more, since it creates an emotional connection.