Review of La Dolce Vita (1960) by Ricardo O — 09 Feb 2010
For Fellini, La Dolce Vita represents the transition of where Fellini's movies are no longer part of what is called neo-realism and are now becoming more circus like. It is the first of his films to earn the adjective "Felliniesque" with his hallucinatory, circus-like depictions of modern life. It is the first of his films to feature Marcello Mastroianni in the role that in turn made him a star both in and out of Italy, for good reason too, he is fantastic. He plays a gossip columnist named Marcello Rubini and it explores wanderings through a modern, sophisticated and ultra-decadent Rome.
The film is beautifully shot in pristine b&w photography. All the actors are fantastic especially Marcello. The music score by life time collaborator Nino Rota is fantastic as usual. But most of all it's Fellini's direction that is constantly in the spotlight throughout the film.
This being not only one of Fellini's best films but also being one of the most successful foreign films in general is worthy of watching. It makes no sense that it didn't earn an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film as it surely would have won it. It is a must see film for fans of foreign cinema. An all out masterpiece! 10/10.
This review of La Dolce Vita (1960) was written by Ricardo O on 09 Feb 2010.
La Dolce Vita has generally received very positive reviews.
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