Symbolism In Italian Film Life Is Beautiful

Holocaust through Symbolism When thinking of a monumental catastrophe, one life changing event that comes to mind is the Holocaust. Not only were families separated and many cities damaged during the Holocaust, but there were striking amounts of casualties. All damages due to the Holocaust were unfairly endured by innocent human beings who were unfortunately treated like animals. The events leading up to the mass murders were unexpected causing a shock felt all around the world. To show this, Roberto Benigni, director and writer of the Italian film Life is Beautiful, sets his film during the time of historical Holocaust. Throughout the film he takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster from landing the girl, to having a family, and being taken to a concentration camp. Binigni uses multiple objects to give the plot more meaning and displays his artistry as a filmmaker. Roberto Benigni uses eggs, a tank, and uncle Eliseo’s horse to depict the life of many Jews during …show more content…
Upon Guido and his friend’s, Ferruccio, arrival to the city, Robin Hood, Uncle Eliseo’s horse, is parked outside their house. They then discover that Eliseo has been robbed. Before the engagement party, Eliseo shows Guido the vandalism appearing on Robin Hood. Robin Hood’s body is spray painted green and black spelling out “Danger, Jewish Horse.” Guido then rides into the party to pick up Dora. Then, they trot out of the building and back to the house. Robin Hood is now a symbol of Guido leading Dora to the concentration camp. The horse mirrors Guido being labeled as a Jew and not being aware of the uncertain future. The next scene with Robin Hood shows Dora and her mother riding back to the house once again. This time, they discover their house ransacked and Guido and Joshua not present. All times Robin Hood is in front of the same part of the house, he exemplifies destruction, terror, and the