Maudern Movies, a weekly series that curates films for your viewing pleasure.
Salty Mediterranean sea wind in your face, spritz in hand, the company of a seasonal Casanova (or two); Could anything be better? While adventuring to Amalfi is highly unlikely anytime soon (wiping tears), with summer fast approaching, we invite you to head out for a walktail and return, fan up, lights down to let the likes of Sorrentino and Minghella help you digitally vacation.
Here are our five of our favorite films that celebrate la dolce vita. Should you really be going all in (it's a three day weekend, after all), may we suggest creating your own full aperitivo hour spread? Saluti!
Roman Holiday, 1953
Directed by: William Wyler
Starring: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert
European princess Ann (Hepburn) takes an adventurous night in Rome, away from the duties of her day to day. She falls asleep on a park bench and American reporter, Joe (Peck), finds her and brings her back to his place for safety. He soon realizes her regal status and is set on getting an exclusive interview; but as the two share more time together, a romance blossoms.
Where to watch: Vudu, Amazon
A Room with a View, 1986
Directed by: James Ivory
Starring: Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Denholm Elliott
Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, this film follows Lucy Honeychurch (Bonham-Carter) and her older cousin (Smith) as they tour Italy. While in Florence, Lucy encounters a free-spirited George Emerson (Sands), immediately captivated by him. She struggles with her feelings as she must choose between George or her previous (and very wealthy) beau Cecil (Day-Lewis).
Where to watch: Hulu, Vudu, Amazon
The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999
Directed by: Anthony Minghella
Starring: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law
It's the 50s in Italy; Dickie Greenleaf (Law) and his expat girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Paltrow) live a carefree life full of idyllic landscapes and casual living. Dickie's father sends associate Tom Ripley (Damon) to bring him home to America. Ripley, unhappy with his own existance, will stop at nothing to make their life his own.
Where to watch: Vudu, Amazon
The Great Beauty, 2013
Directed by: Paolo Sorrentino
Starring: Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Sabrina Ferilli
Famed journalist Jep Gambardella (Servillo) is tired of a life filled with parties and night clubs. After his sixty-fifth birthday, a flash back from his past that makes him reconsider his life's purpose. He soon embarks on a journey of self-discovery only to find a beautiful landscape full of absurdity.
Where to watch: Vudu, Amazon
Call Me Your Name, 2017
Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
Starring: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg
American teenager, Elio Perlman (Chalamet) spends his summer days wandering the landscape of his parents' Italian villa. But when Oliver (Hammer), his father's doctoral intern, enters the picture, Elio finds himself conflicted with romantic feelings. As the two develop a bond over the course of the film, they finds themselves sharing a connection neither of them was expecting.
Where to watch: Vudu, Amazon
