Holocaust Narratives in the film Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni

Abstract

Roberto Benigni's 1997 Italian film Life is Beautiful applies post-genocide theory to offer a distinctive viewpoint on the Holocaust. Through the character of Guido, who employs humour and imagination as means of resistance and survival, this essay explores how the movie depicts the psychological fallout and emotional repercussions of genocide. The study explores how the film shifts focus from the historical event itself to the enduring impact on individuals and families, presenting a narrative of resilience, memory, and the reassertion of human values in the face of dehumanization. Post-genocide theory allows for an understanding of how trauma is processed and how hope is retained amidst collective pain.

This paper's primary goal is to examine how Life is Beautiful functions as a post-genocide text by emphasising the emotional coping mechanisms that survivors employ to deal with trauma. In order to provide a message of hope and survival, this study intends to investigate how storytelling, humour, and paternal love influence a child's experience of horror. The study also aims to show how film can be an effective medium for fostering emotional recovery following genocide and interacting with historical memory.