From sun-drenched romances to chilling thrillers, Venice’s unique beauty and intrigue have inspired filmmakers for decades. Explore some of the most captivating films set in this iconic Italian city, each capturing a different facet of its mesmerizing charm.
The Venice Film Festival has always been a haven for Italian glamour, with legendary actresses like Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, and Monica Vitti gracing the red carpet for decades. This article revisits some of the most stunning moments from the festival’s history, highlighting the timeless elegance and undeniable style of Italian cinema’s leading ladies.
Dive into the romantic drama ‘The Space Between’ (2017), now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Witness the journey of Marco, a chef returning to his Italian hometown to care for his ailing father. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the vibrant Olivia, an Australian tourist who reignites his passion for cooking. Watch as their bond blossoms, only to face the bittersweet realization that their time together is finite.
Prepare for a night of terror with ‘A Classic Horror Story,’ an Italian horror masterpiece by Paolo Strippoli and Roberto De Feo. Released in 2021, this chilling tale follows a group of travelers who find themselves stranded in a sinister forest in southern Italy. Desperate for survival, they must unravel the secrets of their eerie surroundings and find a way out before it’s too late. The film features a talented cast, including Matilda Lutz, William Merrick, Yuliia Sobol, and Peppino Mazzotta.
The late Italian composer Ennio Morricone is celebrated in two documentaries: Giuseppe Tornatore’s “Ennio” and Francesco Zippel’s “Sergio Leone: The Italian Who Invented America.” These films explore Morricone’s enduring legacy, his collaborations with legendary director Sergio Leone, and the profound impact of his music on cinema. Morricone’s innovative and playful approach to composition, characterized by a unique blend of diverse sounds, transformed the soundtrack into an integral part of the cinematic experience. He had a remarkable ability to convey emotion and atmosphere through his music, leaving an indelible mark on generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
Dive into the whirlwind of “Divorce Italian Style,” a 1961 Italian black comedy that follows Baron Ferdinando Cefalù’s desperate quest for freedom from his loveless marriage. With divorce illegal in Italy, Ferdinando devises a cunning plan to eliminate his wife and claim his inheritance. This darkly comedic exploration of Sicilian customs and societal constraints features a stellar cast, including Marcello Mastroianni as the charming yet scheming Baron and Daniela Rocca as the frustrated wife Rosalia. Watch the film’s hilarious and outrageous antics on HBO Max, available with three subscription options: Max with Ads, Max Ad-Free, and Max Ultimate Ad-Free, offering varying features and streaming capabilities.
