Aside from "Under the Tuscan Sun", which I loved, what are your favorite movies/documentaries filmed in or about Italy?
Feb 3rd, 2006, 07:41 AM
#101
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I have to laugh reading all the recommendations for Roman Holiday. Way back in the 80's I went into a video store and asked for it. The clerk fetched me a copy and sent me on my way. It wasn't until I started playing the movie that I learned there was also a porno flic by the same name!
Feb 3rd, 2006, 08:10 AM
#102
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Best of Youth is a most remarkable flick...yes, indeed, the six hours (in two sessions) fly by...also like Room With a View for one particular reason..in '93, on a visit to Florence, I booked the actual "room with a view", terrace and all, at the Quissisana e Vecchio, next to the Uffizi, overlooking the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio...fabulous old hotel with a wire cage elevator and the room was superb.
Footnote: When the Uffizi was bombed by a terrorist group, the Quissisana had massive collateral damage and shut down. I understand it has been rebuilt under another name...can never be the same, no doubt.
But do see Best of Youth ...Ebert was very impressed with it and gave a smashing review.
Footnote: When the Uffizi was bombed by a terrorist group, the Quissisana had massive collateral damage and shut down. I understand it has been rebuilt under another name...can never be the same, no doubt.
But do see Best of Youth ...Ebert was very impressed with it and gave a smashing review.
Feb 3rd, 2006, 11:30 AM
#104
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EmBee: go here for a list of the filming locations for "Cinema Paradiso"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095765/locations
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095765/locations
Feb 3rd, 2006, 03:57 PM
#109
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For a great gladiator flick at the circus maximus backed by an ageless story line, certainly it would be "Ben Hur".
For the classic "chick flick", nothing beats "The English Patient".
For the classic "chick flick", nothing beats "The English Patient".
Feb 4th, 2006, 10:14 AM
#111
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Hi. I copied down a wonderful list of your recommendations this morning and headed out to Blockbusters. (naive, you're thinking. right.) Except for the few that I'd already seen, the answer time after time was 'we don't have that.' Well, hell.
Now perhaps you can recommend an alternative source from which I can rent or download foreign films? Websites? I'm behind the times, here. Thanks, J.
Now perhaps you can recommend an alternative source from which I can rent or download foreign films? Websites? I'm behind the times, here. Thanks, J.
Feb 4th, 2006, 11:36 AM
#112
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Feb 7th, 2006, 07:52 AM
#114
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Two of the best art/history documentaries I’ve discovered (and own on video cassette) are Gore Vidal on Venice (double set) and Bill Moyer’s The Power of the Past, which focuses on Florence. I bought the former years ago at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (It was first broadcast in England, I think.) I have not found it anywhere else, though I have yet to Google it.
The other was on and is available through PBS and, I believe, is now on DVD, which I may purchase now that the video is a bit ragged from overuse.
I recommend both highly.
The other was on and is available through PBS and, I believe, is now on DVD, which I may purchase now that the video is a bit ragged from overuse.
I recommend both highly.
Feb 7th, 2006, 08:43 AM
#116
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If you are wondering where to get these old films because Blockbuster is, well, pathetic- I have had incredibly good luck with - of all places- my local libary. I live in the middle of nowhere- but turns out our library is part of a large system that has access to a vast amount of media. I have been in hog heaven ordering DVDs of all sorts off of their website. The website has a search funtion-and I just hit "Italy" and "DVD" and get hundreds and hundreds of choices. Have not even tried city names or regions yet. May take me years to see everything. I have been working my way through all the recommendations on this posting-as well as travel shows and documentaries. Just ordered the Medici show! It usually only takes a day or two for them to find me whatever I have asked for. Your tax dollars at work.
Feb 7th, 2006, 09:28 AM
#117
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One hysterically funny piece filmed in Rome is the Roberto Benigni segment of Jim Jarmusch’s fim “Night on Earth.“ He plays a nutty (what else?) cab driver whose fare is a priest. Fascinating film in general.
I also love “Don’t Look Now.” Especially Julie Christie.
And if Blockbuster doesn’t have a film, and I’ve given up on them, try NetFlix.
I also love “Don’t Look Now.” Especially Julie Christie.
And if Blockbuster doesn’t have a film, and I’ve given up on them, try NetFlix.
Feb 7th, 2006, 09:46 AM
#120
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Definitely keep an eye on upcoming television shows, if you have cable. There are several episodes of Passport to Europe filmed in Italy, as well as Rick Steves, Globe Guide, etc. Also, a few Food Network specials (Giada and Rachael Ray in particular) have taken place in Italy.
Also, don't overlook your local library- my husband and I always look for travel videos when planning a trip. They may not be as captivating as a film, but they definitely set the mood!
Enjoy
Also, don't overlook your local library- my husband and I always look for travel videos when planning a trip. They may not be as captivating as a film, but they definitely set the mood!
Enjoy
