La dolce vita (1960)

Director:

Federico Fellini

Writers:

Federico Fellini (story) &
Ennio Flaiano (story) ...

Release Date:

19 April 1961 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

The Sweet Life

Plot:

Journalist and man-about-town Marcello struggles to find his place in the world, torn between the allure...

Plot Keywords:

Journalist | Sex | Writer | Party | Film Star

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 7 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Marcello Mastroianni	...	Marcello Rubini
Anita Ekberg	...	Sylvia
Anouk Aimée	...	Maddalena (as Anouk Aimee)
Yvonne Furneaux	...	Emma
Magali Noël	...	Fanny (as Magali Noel)
Alain Cuny	...	Steiner
Annibale Ninchi	...	Marcello's father
Walter Santesso	...	Paparazzo
Valeria Ciangottini	...	Paola
Riccardo Garrone	...	Riccardo
Ida Galli	...	Debuttante of the Year
Audrey McDonald	...	Jane (as Audey McDonald)
Polidor	...	Clown
Alain Dijon	...	Frankie Stout
Enzo Cerusico	...	Newspaper photographer

Also Known As:

La Dolce Vita (UK) (USA)
La dolce vita (France)
La douceur de vivre (France) (alternative title)

Runtime:

174 min | Germany:177 min (premiere) | Portugal:165 min (re-release) | USA:180 min (premiere)

Country:

Italy | France

Language:

Italian | English | French | German

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric)

Certification:

Italy:VM14 | Hungary:18 | South Korea:15 | Brazil:14 | Spain:13 | Spain:(Banned) (1960-1980) | Argentina:16 | Australia:M (DVD rating) | Australia:PG (original rating) | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 | Singapore:M18 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:Not Rated | West Germany:12 (video rating)

Filming Locations:

Bassano Romano, Viterbo, Lazio, Italy

Company:

Riama Film

Trivia:

A scene was mooted that involved Marcello's relationship with an older writer, Dolores, to be played by Oscar winning actress Luise Rainer. After much protracted discussions and difficulties, due to Luise Rainer's wish to rewrite her role somewhat, Federico Fellini cancelled the scene altogether. The actress was furious, reportedly saying, "I have spoiled a priceless piece of cloth on this character that will never be!"

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: In the castle, Marcello lights a match to view some ancestral paintings. A spotlight is used to enhance the light of this match, but does not follow the actor's movements very closely and gives the illusion away.

Quotes:

Steiner: Don't be like me. Salvation doesn't lie within four walls. I'm too serious to be a dilettante and too much a dabbler to be a professional. Even the most miserable life is better than a sheltered existence in an organized society where everything is calculated and perfected.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Looking for Alibrandi (2000)

Soundtrack:

Patricia

Tolerance of Taste

To appreciate this film you need to appreciate film. I'm saddened that so many have commented negatively on it and cast dispersions upon those who enjoyed it. It is not Titanic, or Armageddon. It is a long film that attempts to show more than a hackneyed plot about some simple people. It is a beautiful exploration about life that does not preach or try to tell you what to think. I understand why many are frustrated with it. It seems to go nowhere at times, but thats the point. And most importantly the scenery on this trip to nowhere is beautiful.

So, if you are the type that does not like to watch films that are art, do not watch this. Watch Coyote Ugly. It will entertain you. Other films to avoid: Last Year at Marienbad, The Seventh Seal, The 400 Blows, etc. Go see something with a gun on the cover instead.

For those who like a challenge rather than simple escapism, this is a film that engages you.

Different films for different people. People seem very threatened when they don't like a film that is widely regarded as a classic. The reason is simple, it's not your kind of film. But don't assume its a film for no one. Makes sense right?