Anna Magnani, an Italian film actress, found herself at the peak of her career during the reconstruction era post World War II. Her appearances in neorealist films showcased her ability to perform authentically and convey messages without words. One quality of hers that contributed to this ability lied in her flamboyant mannerisms and body language which spoke to her emotions more than words themselves. This was a major aspect to Magnani’s star image. Another piece of her star image that made Magnani so appealing was her ability to preserve her authenticity. Authenticity played a huge role in catalyzing her stardom. Take for example her performance in the film Rome, Open City, which was the film that made her internationally famous. The world renowned scene where Magnani is running and later killed displays emotion that clearly came from within and could not be recreated without her inner turmoil. The authenticity of this scene made her a fan favorite amongst audiences around the globe.
Anna Magnani’s appeal lied mostly in her acting skills as she began her career and focused less on the details of her personal life. This was generally not the case for many US film stars like Marylin Monroe who’s personal experiences shaped her public image. In large part, this had to do with the fact that she lived in Italy, making it difficult for the media to capture her day to day experiences. Critics were also fascinated by her “unconventional beauty” which separated her from many other film stars of the time. Magnani often refused to portray herself artificially and preferred not to wear extravagant makeup or sport tedious hairstyles. In an interview with the New York Times, it was noted that she did not want her wrinkles covered up and that it had taken her whole life to get them. This speaks volumes to the importance she placed on remaining authentic in her films and in her personal life. 