The Great Beauty (2013)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  141 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 174 Minutes)

Rated: 15

Genre: Drama

Director: Paolo Sorrentino

Starring: Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Sabrina Ferilli, Carlo Buccirosso, Laia Forte, Pamela Villoresi

IMDB Rank: 7.7 /10

Part 1 Time:  91 Minutes (Director’s Cut: N/A Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  50 Minutes (Director’s Cut: N/A Minutes)

Where does the first part end? In the early morning, Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo) and Ramona (Sabrina Ferilli) lie in bed and stare at the bedroom ceiling, imagining the ocean waves.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Yes I can see it.” Ramona responds to Jep.

First line of dialogue on the second part: The scene begins with Jep standing by a bar within a reception area, a musical score plays in the background. A younger individual shows him an angry glance as they walk by. Dialogue does not begin until approximately one minute into the scene. An older woman asks Jep, “Who’s going to look after you?”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Jep seems to have found genuine companionship, something he has been missing for many years. Will Jep finally be able to fill the void he has been missing in his life?

Which part is better? In part one we are introduced to Jep, a 65 year old journalist and theater critic who has many social connections within Rome and frequently attends artistic parties with members of his “vicious circle.” As the film progresses Jep begins to see his life as a useless adventure and begins to seek newfound meaning. Part two is slightly better as Jep breaks down to the lowest point in his life and slowly begins to find that glimmer of hope that rekindles him.

Academy Awards: Best Foreign Language Film