As this Fellini-esque film unfolded, I felt it was a bit too Artistic for my taste, but then, after leaving the theater, it generated a lively discussion; so it did exactly what Art is supposed to do. Now I have ordered "La Dolce Vita" from the library; I am number 64 in line, so I'll have to wait a bit before I can draw an informed comparison. (My thanks to the JayFlix.net participant who made this recommendation. You know who you are...)
You'll want to see:
- Tony Servillo ("Il Divo") the appealing 60ish lead actor who plays the disenchanted bon vivant who wryly observes all the absurdity.
- The peek into our hero's past which may explain his detachment.
- The skewering of affectations; at one point he rips into a woman who has been bragging about her credentials: as a woman, as a mother and as a Communist.
- The hilarious Botox clinic ("take a number").
- The sight of the Colosseum, in all its bedraggled glory.
- The ironic views of Performance Art: e.g., a nude woman with a veil over her head runs smack dab into a rock wall. She's disappointed that she wasn't able to transcend it. Audiences are consistently bewildered but polite.
- Many views of the ancient viaduct, designed by Roman engineers and built by slaves, to deliver fresh water to the city. Even in decay, it's impressive.
- The exposure of the religious charlatans who surround today's "saints."
- The Catholic priest who was far more interested in cooking and recipes than in religion.
- A glimpse of some of the tourist spots: museums, art galleries and impressive cityscapes.
I'm still not sure if I actually liked it, but I DID find it interesting.
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