The Great Beauty (2013) Movie Review: A Mesmerizing Exploration of Life, Art, and Rome’s Eternal Allure
The Great Beauty (2013), directed by Paolo Sorrentino, is a visually stunning and deeply philosophical film that explores the beauty, decadence, and existential malaise of contemporary Rome. The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, is often compared to Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita for its rich portrayal of Roman society and its meditation on the search for meaning amidst superficial pleasures. Through its lush cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and unforgettable characters, The Great Beauty offers a poignant reflection on life, art, and the fleeting nature of time.
Plot Overview
The film centers on Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo), a 65-year-old journalist and socialite who has spent decades as a fixture in Rome’s elite cultural scene. Jep, once an aspiring novelist, wrote a single acclaimed book in his youth but has since settled into a life of parties, luxury, and superficial encounters. As he navigates his glamorous yet hollow existence, Jep begins to reflect on the choices he has made, the beauty he has witnessed, and the emptiness that now permeates his life.
The Great Beauty opens with a lavish party celebrating Jep’s 65th birthday, where he is surrounded by Rome’s wealthy and powerful. Despite the exuberance around him, Jep is haunted by a sense of disillusionment and regret. The film follows him as he wanders through the city, encountering a series of characters—artists, intellectuals, and spiritual figures—each of whom offers a different perspective on life and beauty.
Throughout his journey, Jep is confronted with memories of his past, including a lost love that profoundly shaped his outlook on life. As he revisits old haunts and contemplates his own mortality, Jep begins to search for something deeper, something that transcends the ephemeral pleasures that have dominated his life.
Performances and Characters
Toni Servillo delivers a masterful performance as Jep Gambardella, embodying the character’s charisma, wit, and underlying sadness with remarkable depth. Servillo’s portrayal captures the complexity of a man who has lived a life of privilege and excess but is now searching for meaning beyond the surface. His expressive face and subtle gestures convey a lifetime of experiences, from the joy of youth to the melancholy of aging.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each character adding a unique flavor to the film’s rich tapestry. Carlo Verdone plays Romano, a playwright and Jep’s longtime friend who is disillusioned with his own failures. Sabrina Ferilli is poignant as Ramona, a stripper who forms an unexpected bond with Jep, offering him a glimpse of genuine connection amidst the superficiality. The ensemble cast, including seasoned Italian actors like Roberto Herlitzka and Isabella Ferrari, contributes to the film’s vibrant portrayal of Roman society.
Direction and Cinematography
Paolo Sorrentino’s direction in The Great Beauty is nothing short of exquisite. His visual style, characterized by long takes, fluid camera movements, and meticulous composition, creates a dreamlike quality that immerses the viewer in Jep’s world. Sorrentino’s Rome is both breathtaking and decaying—a city of grandeur and decay, where history and modernity collide.
The cinematography by Luca Bigazzi is a feast for the eyes, capturing the eternal city in all its splendor. The film’s iconic opening shot, a panoramic view of Rome set to a haunting choral piece, sets the tone for the visual journey that follows. The camera glides through opulent palaces, ancient ruins, and the bustling streets of Rome, revealing the beauty and contradictions of the city. The film’s color palette, with its rich golds, deep blues, and vibrant reds, enhances the sense of timelessness and decadence.
The soundtrack, featuring a mix of classical music, contemporary pieces, and original compositions, complements the film’s visual opulence. The music underscores the emotional undercurrents of the film, from the exuberance of Jep’s parties to the quiet introspection of his solitary moments.
Themes of Beauty, Art, and the Search for Meaning
The Great Beauty is a film that delves into the nature of beauty, art, and the human condition. Jep’s journey is one of existential exploration, as he grapples with the realization that his life, despite its outward glamour, lacks true substance. The film poses questions about the role of art in society, the pursuit of pleasure, and the inevitability of death.
The film’s title, The Great Beauty, refers not only to the physical beauty of Rome but also to the elusive, intangible beauty that Jep seeks. Throughout the film, Jep encounters various forms of art—painting, sculpture, performance art—that reflect the diverse ways in which people try to capture and express beauty. Yet, the film suggests that true beauty is not found in these external representations but in the fleeting moments of life that often go unnoticed.
Sorrentino also explores the theme of time, with Jep’s reflections on his past serving as a reminder of the transient nature of life. The film’s structure, which moves fluidly between present and past, emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of aging. Jep’s search for meaning is ultimately a search for something enduring in a world where everything is temporary.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, The Great Beauty is available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max and Criterion Channel. The film can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. As a critically acclaimed and visually stunning film, The Great Beauty is a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema as an art form.
Critical Reception
The Great Beauty was met with widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, praised for its visual style, philosophical depth, and Toni Servillo’s captivating performance. The film won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, and the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language.
On IMDb, the film holds a strong rating, reflecting its status as a modern classic. Critics have lauded Sorrentino for his ability to capture the essence of Rome and for crafting a film that is both a visual spectacle and a profound meditation on life. Many have drawn comparisons to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, noting The Great Beauty as a spiritual successor that addresses the existential concerns of a new generation.
Conclusion
The Great Beauty is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a rich and evocative exploration of beauty, art, and the human experience. Through its stunning visuals, haunting music, and introspective narrative, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the fleeting nature of existence. Whether you’re drawn to its philosophical themes, its portrayal of Rome, or its artistic brilliance, The Great Beauty is a film that will leave a lasting impression.
Available on streaming platforms like HBO Max and Criterion Channel, The Great Beauty is a film that demands to be seen and savored, offering a cinematic experience that is as profound as it is beautiful.
