IMDB Top 250: #249 – La Dolce Vita

250 films, 250 reviews. This is a pretty crazy idea, but who doesn’t love a challenge? Here at Cultured Vultures we’ll be counting down the IMDb Top 250 with a review for each from one of our dedicated film writers. Everything from Goodfellas to Casablanca will be covered over the next year or so for you film lovers to enjoy. You can’t say we don’t spoil you, you lovely lot. – Ashley, Project Lead

***

Being born in the early 90s, I’m accustomed to a certain cinematic era. The era of booming soundtracks, constant action and crazy jump-cuts that is still prevalent today. As a result, I struggle when it comes to watching films released way before my time. No matter if it’s a classic, an artistic masterpiece or a revolutionary concept brought to life, I just can’t seem to focus on these films without putting a great deal of effort into doing so, which in turn makes for an unpleasant viewing experience.

Fortunately, this was not the case with 1960s comedy-drama La Dolce Vita. After coming home from work I set myself up for comfort with coffee, biscuits and a blanket but instantly grimaced at the almost 3 hour length of the film as I remembered all the surreal 1930s European cinema I watched at university that whilst wonderfully artistic, had me falling asleep in my chair. To my surprise, I found myself already chuckling just a couple of minutes into La Dolce Vita.

Although I was never into the suit-wearing, cigarette-smoking, smooth-talking guys of early European cinema, main character Marcello would certainly have had a lot of women swooning. A middle-class journalist in Rome , he seeks more from life than that of a trendy gossip columnist. A timeless existential concept – Don’t we all pursue love, purpose and happiness to a certain extent?

I found that throughout this film, I was more entranced by the outfits, hairstyles and makeup worn by characters than the stud Marcello himself. Every single lady in every scene was on point. Of course, the film is set amongst the wealthiest and most glamorous citizens of Rome, but at the time, I’d imagine some of these outfits alone would be seen as utterly outrageous before we even get into the themes of sexuality, blasphemy and corruption, which are all still very relevant to a modern audience.

Overall, this film made me think of that moment in Sex and the City 2 where Carrie and Mr. Big are snuggled up in bed watching an old black-and-white film as they drift off to sleep in each other’s arms. This is definitely the kind of film that I could picture myself doing that to and perhaps it has even opened my mind a little, for being the first black-and-white film I have watched where I haven’t had to force myself to pay attention. As for its impact on my life, I am already battling with the urge to buy vintage style dresses. It is funny, romantic, memorable and utterly charming.

 

Note: the IMDb Top 250 Cultured Vultures are using is based on the standings from the 16th of November. Inconsistencies may apply.

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