Review of La Dolce Vita (1960) by Fredrick R — 31 Jul 2010

I finally saw this Art House film classic about a playboy journalist who has come to some sort of midlife crisis, and despite all the hedonism, wine, wild parties, starlets and beautiful women around him, he just can't be happy.

Some complain that the story meanders, and characters come in and out and are never heard from again, but I agree with others, thats how life is. It can seem a little disjointed.

I do agree with critics is that its just too long. It surely could have had an hour edited down.

It doesn't really get hung up on ancient or Renaissance Rome as a backdrop, but a modern Rome.

This certainly is no Hollywood film, its language and onscreen portrayal of sexuality is much too racy for US audiences of this time, with open portrayals of homosexuality, and black characters (though in the background) who are not maids, butlers, or cooks, but are cabaret girls along with the italians, businessmen, and party goers.