Federico Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita' (1960)
The biggest hit from the most popular Italian filmmaker of all time, La Dolce Vita rocketed Federico Fellini to international mainstream success—ironically, by offering a damning critique of the culture of stardom. Released in Italy on February 5, 1960, the film was both a critical success and a worldwide commercial hit, despite censorship in some regions. It won the Palme d'Or at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Costumes. Additionally, it was nominated for three more Oscars, including Best Director for Federico Fellini and Best Original Screenplay.
This incisive film explores the darkness beneath the seductive lifestyles of Rome’s rich and glamorous, following notorious celebrity journalist Marcello Rubini (a sublimely cool Marcello Mastroianni) during a hectic week on the peripheries of the spotlight. Starring Anita Ekberg, Marcello Mastroianni, and Yvonne Furneaux, La Dolce Vita serves as a mordant commentary on the deepening decadence of contemporary Europe and a prescient glimpse into our gossip- and fame-obsessed society. As Marcello contends with his girlfriend Emma's overdose, he pursues heiress Maddalena and movie star Sylvia, embodying a hedonistic attitude while also experiencing moments of quiet reflection, resulting in an intriguing cinematic character study.
Its success proved a watershed moment for Italian cinema and European cinema at large, and it has come to be regarded as a masterpiece of Italian cinema and one of the greatest films of all time. In 2008, the film was included on the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s list of 100 Italian films to be saved, highlighting works that have profoundly influenced the collective memory of the country between 1942 and 1978.
● Cast:
● Marcello Mastroianni - Marcello Rubini
● Anita Ekberg - Sylvia
● Anouk Aimée - Maddalena
● Yvonne Furneaux - Emma
● Magali Noël - Fanny
● Alain Cuny - Steiner
● Annibale Ninchi - Marcello’s father
● Walter Santesso - Paparazzo
● Lex Barker - Robert
● Nadia Gray - Nadia
● Valeria Ciangottini - Paola
● Riccardo Garrone - Riccardo
● Audrey McDonald - Jane
● Polidor - Pagliaccio
● Enrico Glori - Nadia’s lover
● Credits:
● Director: Federico Fellini
● Produced by: Giuseppe Amato, Angelo Rizzoli Jr.
● Written by: Federico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, Brunello Rondi
● From a story by: Federico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli
● Music: Nino Rota
● Cinematography: Otello Martelli
● Edited by: Leo Cattozzo
● Production design and costumes: Piero Gherardi
