it's the tale of a sixty-five year old Roman, a man who's spent the past 40 years cruising on the wave created by his first novel. But, it's much more than that. It's a philosophical inquiry into the nature of love, industry, religion, death--- in short, life itself. And all of this is delivered in a pastry as delicious as a canolli, washed down with one of those delightful Italian dessert wines. Beautiful women, men dressed in sartorial splendor as only the Romans can render, ancient architecture and paintings (an exquisite Raphael, exhibited for your private viewing pleasure, free of the usual bustling crowds), and all set to gorgeous music, both period and contemporary (this latter infectious club variety).
Quite simply, the finest rumination of life in many a film cycle. Unlike Malick's tortured multi-hour lectures w/their Puritanical, self-lacerating tone, director Paolo Sorrentino knows how, in the best tradition going back (at least) to Shakespeare, to examine society and the individual while wildly entertaining his journey's guest.
This is lead actor Toni Servillo's film and he delivers an astonishing tour de force, creating a character you'd expect to sit next to the next time you venture to Rome and decide to indulge in a meal in one of its fine restaurants. There is no finer actor today, period. In fact, for effortlessness, for disappearing into a character, he has no peer.
Five stars?
No.
15.
Edits: 03/31/14 03/31/14
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Topic - How many baby boomers, here? I'll bang the gong, yet again, for, "The Great Beauty:" - tinear 17:42:13 03/31/14 (7)
- I hear ya... - Victor Khomenko 15:59:47 04/06/14 (0)
- The Criterion Box Set comes with . . . - Billy Wonka 20:50:25 04/01/14 (5)
- Wow. We actually agree! Also agree on "The Last Emperor." I'm sure you'll similarly join me as I scream as - tinear 17:35:40 04/02/14 (4)
- No interest in Il Sorpasso? Comin' out on DVD in a few weeks. Really, as good as TGB. nt - tinear 11:38:46 04/04/14 (2)
- I liked it. - Victor Khomenko 15:55:02 04/06/14 (1)
- I thought it soared. nt - tinear 08:14:26 04/09/14 (0)
- RE: Wow. We actually agree! Also agree on "The Last Emperor." I'm sure you'll similarly join me as I scream as - Billy Wonka 09:25:24 04/04/14 (0)