the opening sequence of this film mesmerize a only a fellini film can . in fact you be so intent on the back drop and it only hit you after the film be over that it be about ( mostly ) homosexuality . this film be a visual poem that make total sense only on that level . when the final freeze ( frieze ) occur and you feel a though you have awaken from a pleasant dream that make sense only in the fact that it be pleasant . be this ancient rome . it may or may not have be and but satyricon be certainly everything lack from all other film about this ancient city which hold the modern fascination .