Italy has certainly set a trend in filmmaking history. Not out of coincidence the italians are the pioneers of drama. It's in their roots, it's in their lifestyle and in their blood.
But for a some years, Italy has been a little bit out of the spotlight when it comes to internationally acclaimed films. Not even been represented into the list of nominees for Best Foreign Film for more than 5 years. But this year they are back. And what a good way to come back!
La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) is probably the most experimental of all films nominated this year. Throughout the entire movie, you feel sort of surprised with the scenes, not really sure if this is supposed to be happening or trying to find the meaning to somehow incoherent sequences. But just a few minutes later, it all make absolute sense. It makes wonderful sense.
Through the life of Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo), a 60 year old Roman Jet-setter, the director takes you on a journey of parties, VIP events, elitist dinners and random intimate conversations, that somehow turn into very original and aesthetically beautiful reflexions on the meaning of life, the process of aging and the true source of inspiration.
It also presents a side of Rome that very few of us know. The city at night, the city of private events, the city without tourists, the Rome of true romans.
This is the type of film that keeps you interacting, thinking and reflecting. It's a break to the passive straightforward storytelling. It's a constant experimentation to introduce a more provocative and artistic presentation of the storyline.
Overall, I'd say The Great Beauty is a great comeback from the Italian film industry. A film worth watching, worth sharing and worth representing Italy in the Academy Awards.
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