La Dolce Vita (Federico Fellini, 1960)


What's it about? A journalist spends a week wandering round Rome by night and day, chatting people. That probably doesn't do it justice, admittedly.

Is it any good? A stylish, vibrant film and still remarkably relevant in today's world of media tittle-tattle and tabloid celebrity culture. The structure and themes are interesting, even if some sequences don't work as well as others and add to a long running time. But the music is great throughout and Fellini captures some wonderful imagery, not least the sight of Anita Ekberg's breasts struggling to escape the confines of her little black dress as she cavorts in the Trevi Fountain.
Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita
Anita Ekberg's breasts
make a valiant bid for
freedom

I don't trust you. What do others think? Adored by film critics, who regularly proclaim it one of the great achievements in cinema. But despite its lack of conventional plot, it's actually quite popular with the plebs as well.

Anything else I should know? Contributed the word 'paparazzi' to the world, named after an intrusive photographer in the film. Oh, you knew that? Feck.

What does the Fonz think? It actually does live up to it's reputation...





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