Ennio Flaiano: Premio Strega and Fellini's Dreams' Man

Translated by Giulia Maffeis

In 20th-century Italy's cultural landscape, few intellectuals left as significant a mark as Ennio Flaiano. A writer, journalist, theatre critic, and, above all, a talented screenwriter, Flaiano is remembered not only for his extraordinary narrative skills but also for his striking contributions to the creation of Federico Fellini’s cinematic masterpieces. The year 1947 was a turning point in his career, marked by winning the inaugural Strega Prize, which cemented his place in the Italian literary elite. However, his work as a screenwriter, particularly his collaboration with Fellini, established him as a cornerstone of Italian cinema.

The Strega Price and Literary Recognition

In 1947, Ennio Flaiano won the first-ever Strega Prize for his novel Tempo di uccidere (A Time to Kill), a work blending psychological introspection and moral reflection, set against the background of Italy’s colonial campaign in Ethiopia. The novel, full of irony and disillusionment, tells the story of a young Italian officer who becomes entangled in a tragic incident with an Ethiopian woman during a mission. This event triggers a spiral of guilt and paranoia, mirroring the contradictions of Italy’s colonial experience.

Winning the Strega Prize not only recognized Flaiano’s literary worth but also highlighted his ability to capture the essence of a historical period and translate it into compelling storytelling. The novel, a singular work in his literary output, remains an isolated masterpiece and the pinnacle of his career as a writer, even though Flaiano became better known for his screenwriting. 

Collaboration with Federico Fellini

The partnership between Ennio Flaiano and Federico Fellini stands as one of the most fruitful in cinematic history. Flaiano contributed to the scripts of some of Fellini’s most iconic films—I Vitelloni, La Strada, Le Notti di Cabiria, to name a few—bringing his sharp wit and profound understanding of the human condition to Fellini’s visionary projects.

Their first major success was La Dolce Vita (1960), a film that redefined Italian cinema and became a symbol of post-war Italian culture and society. Flaiano, along with Fellini and Tullio Pinelli, crafted a narrative that explored the disillusionment of Roman high society through the eyes of journalist Marcello Rubini, played by Marcello Mastroianni. The screenplay, characterized by incisive dialogue and an episodic structure, saw Flaiano’s unmistakable touch, balancing cynicism with deep empathy for its characters.

Another masterpiece born of the Flaiano-Fellini collaboration was 8½ (1963), a film delving into the creative and personal crisis of a director, again portrayed by Mastroianni. Flaiano’s ironic and introspective style helped shape the complex, dreamlike narrative, seamlessly blending reality and imagination to match Fellini’s visionary imagination. The film is considered one of the greatest in cinematic history and serves as a perfect example of the creative synergy between Flaiano and Fellini. 

A Behind the Scenes Genius

Despite his success and fame, Flaiano remained a reserved figure, removed from the spotlight. As a screenwriter—a role often seen as less glamorous than that of a director or actor—he led a life away from the media frenzy. However, those who knew him recognized the indispensable role he played in the success of the films he worked on.

Beyond Fellini, Flaiano collaborated with other prominent Italian directors such as Alberto Lattuada, Luigi Zampa, and Michelangelo Antonioni. Yet his relationship with Fellini was unique, marked by an intellectual and creative partnership that few others could replicate. Flaiano’s ability to translate Fellini’s surreal and dreamlike visions into words was unparalleled, and their collaboration became a benchmark for future generations of filmmakers and screenwriters.

Ennio Flaiano passed away in 1972, leaving a void in Italian cultural life. However, his legacy lives on through his works and the films he helped bring to life. Today, Flaiano is remembered not only as one of Italy’s greatest screenwriters but also as a keen observer of society and its contradictions.

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