Review of The Great Beauty (2013) by Joe H — 01 Mar 2015
A masterpiece in every sense of the word, The Great Beauty is pure and passionate cinematic poetry about the transcendent and fleeting nature of beauty found in a dying world. Director Sorrentino's gaze glides fluently, deliberately, from frame to frame to the volatile rhythm of life--electrifying party sequences set to hypnotic club music compliment moments of profound contemplative stillness overlayed with religious choirs and elegant strings.
Amidst the dissonance, Sorrentino's camera remains in constant motion, following over the course of several days the meanderings of an upper class man on the brink of despair, searching for meaning as an old man with a misspent past.
Sorrentino is able to express emotion and meaning in single images and scenes than most filmmakers are able to express in entire films. It's true that moments of beauty pass us by often without us realizing their significance, but The Great Beauty won't suffer the same fate.
It is destined for classic status, and will be remembered for decades to come as a sterling addition to Italy's cinematic heritage.
This review of The Great Beauty (2013) was written by Joe H on 01 Mar 2015.
The Great Beauty has generally received very positive reviews.
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