Aug
4
2009
Recall Any Of These Movies on Rome? Is It The City In Your Heart?
Author: Guest AuthorSome people say that Rome casts a magic spell on many of its visitors. Judging by the movie Roman Holiday, that’s definitely the case. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, the two main characters, though from widely different origins, manage to fall in love with each other and when they finally have to part, the lovely time spent together in the Eternal City is a lovely memory for both to retain.
Federico Fellinis 1960 movie La Dolce Vita was quite popular at the time in the States. This was not so much because of its social contents, but on account of the views of Rome that were included in the film. In a famous scene Anita Ekberg walks straight into Trevi Fountain - and to stardom: this has become a classic scene in the history books of the world’s movie industry. Not surprising, seeing that Fellini himself adored Rome, which was not his native city (he was born in northern Italy)and yet seemed to suit him perfectly.
If you have ever been to Rome or simply read any travel books on Rome, you must come across the habit of foreign travellers to throw a coin into Trevi Fountain in the hope that their wish to return to Rome will come true. In 1954 Jean Negulesco directed a charming movie titled Three Coins In The Fountain referring to this tradition. Obviously there are many scenes of showing parts of Rome that are dear to the hearts of those who have seen the city and… to those who wish they will.
Are you familiar with the 1959 historical colossal movie Ben Hur? Its director, William Wyler, only a few years before had shot Roman Holiday and, quite clearly, fallen in love with Rome. So he decided to set the first “colossal” in movie history in Ancient Rome. The scenes were all shot in Cinecitta - Rome’s “Holliwood” studios - but they are so realistic that you feel as if you are literally stepping back in the past. The glorious, if occasionally cruel, days of ancient Rome are perfectly re-enacted.
Have you seen The Talented Mr. Ripley? If so, where is it set? The answer will probably be, mostly in Italy. Do you realize, though, that some scenes were actually shot in Rome? They certainly were, in a tiny square called Piazza Mattei. This square is known to all Romans as Turtle Fountain Square because of the lovely fountain in its centre.
If you ask anybody what is the movie of Ancient Rome that they recall best, probably the answer is The Gladiator. Believe it or not, this movie, that provides a complex picture of power, love, hatred, greatness and cruelty, was not shot in Rome at all. Still, Ridley Scott - who also directed Blade Runner - managed to create an atmosphere and a physical reconstruction of Ancient Rome that very closely resembles the true original. Russell Crowe fits the part perfectly and so do all the other actors in the movie.
Ever been to Rome? If you are planning to go there you can’t miss visiting Trastevere. This is an ancient suburb in the very heart of Rome that for anyone living or visiting this magic city is an absolute must! Norman Jewison shared this opinion when he set his 1994 movie Only You partly also in Trastevere.