The Great Beauty

La grande bellezza (2013) follows 65-year-old writer and socialite Jep Gambardella. After writing one successful novel decades ago, he spends his nights in the decadent Roman jet set. Following his birthday, an unexpected event confronts him with his past, setting in motion an existential search for true beauty and meaning. Just like La Dolce Vita, this is a beautiful film about the superficial world of wealth, with Rome as the center, depicted with striking symbolism. Director: Paolo Sorrentino Met: Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Luca Marinelli Speelduur: 142 minutes Italian spoken, Dutch subtitles De CinéClub chooses 'classics' and lesser-known quality films, with a short introduction beforehand.