The magnificent Great Beauty
Pictures credits: http://www.everymancinema.com/cinemas/leeds/mon-30-09-13/the-great-beauty
La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) has been a hit since it was first screened in the Cannes Film Festival last year. It took the press by storm and has been described Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentio’s best film yet. What’s more, this visually spectacular film recently won the best foreign film award at Golden Globe.
It’s an intriguing story about the carefree life of Jep Gambardella, a celebrity journalist, squandering his talent his one and only novel brought him. The filmmaker's muse, Toni Carallo plays the film's protagonist, and seduces the viewers about the pleasures of upper class lifestyle and fame. Foremost the narrative is as much about the portrait of Gambardella's grandiose home city and his solitary life.
In the opening scene, a Chinese tourist drops dead to the magnificent Italian opera overlooking the spectacular Rome. Was it the sight of the grand city that pulled that last smile on his face or something else; we are left to wonder. Sound has a significant role in the narrative. Amidst the hedonistic disco scene the melancholic side of Jep Gambardella is revealed.
In the opening scene, a Chinese tourist drops dead to the magnificent Italian opera overlooking the spectacular Rome. Was it the sight of the grand city that pulled that last smile on his face or something else; we are left to wonder. Sound has a significant role in the narrative. Amidst the hedonistic disco scene the melancholic side of Jep Gambardella is revealed.
However, after Jep's 65th his life takes an unexpected turn. Emotionally unattached, he continues attending high profile private events and uses his connections for secret visits to the city museums, enjoying the privileges of his profession. Gradually Gambardella's weakness and great obsession for beauty keeps grows.
Throughout the film Gambardella recollects his reflections of his first and lost love. It's during the late night walks in the city centre when his age and loneliness creep in. Despite it he meets many mysterious characters: a retired stripper, priest, nun with whom all he connects in his mecca - rooftop flat next to the grandiose Colousseum.
Throughout the film Gambardella recollects his reflections of his first and lost love. It's during the late night walks in the city centre when his age and loneliness creep in. Despite it he meets many mysterious characters: a retired stripper, priest, nun with whom all he connects in his mecca - rooftop flat next to the grandiose Colousseum.
If are a fan of art house films, original stories then I highly recommend watching The Great Beauty. You won’t be disappointed it. It’s a thought provoking film with fine acting from Toni Servillo playing Jep Gambardella.
Pictures credits: http://www.everymancinema.com/cinemas/leeds/mon-30-09-13/the-great-beauty
