Review of La Dolce Vita (1960) by Michael C — 15 Jul 2009

To be honest, I was not as wowed and seduced by this film the way most cinephiles are. Of course I recognize the craftsmanship and brilliance in the composition with this film, and I am not opposed to the work of Fellini as I a huge fan of 8 1/2, but there were a few things that kept this film from being among my favorite pieces of film art the way that other film was.

First of all, I understand that like 8 1/2 this film is really a series of segments that ultimately tie together and tell us something about the protagonist, but in this film it doesn't feel as cohesive and unified as it did in 8 1/2.

I also felt the surrealist touches in 8 1/2 were great, and the way they are used here seem more like an afterthought. Granted the movie has enough that warrants a viewing from any fan of film. The music is amusing, and the film itself isn't terrible, but in fact very good at a number of moments.

Mastroianni is terrific in the lead role as a man in search of his own identity in a city where any indulgence is readily available. I'm also impressed with the way Fellini shot Anita Ekberg; he was obviously charmed by the voluptuous actress, and her joyful exuberance in the dance scene and the waterfall scene are shot in a way that makes her ravishing, and it is no surprise she is so closely identified with the film.

I definitely applaud Fellini for the risks he took with this film, and I recognize his contribution to cinema with this work, but I think 8 1/2 is the more fully realized example of his brilliance as a director.