Now back on the big screen: La Grande Bellezza (2013) is an Italian drama film that captures the soul of Rome and the existential quest of a disillusioned journalist.
Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo) is a 65-year-old journalist who has been living off the fame of his one successful novel for decades. Surrounded by glamour, endless parties, Prosecco, and superficial encounters in the elite circles of Rome, he suddenly realizes, after his 65th birthday, the emptiness behind his dazzling façade. This awakening leads him on a search for the true meaning of life.
The film is a breathtaking visual spectacle that exposes the decadence of the beau monde while simultaneously serving as a love letter to Rome. Director Paolo Sorrentino crafts an unforgettable masterpiece that reflects on life choices, missed opportunities, and the pursuit of authenticity. With its lush cinematography and profound themes, the film has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.