The Great Beauty
dir. Paolo Sorrentino · 2013
Plot
Journalist Jep Gambardella has charmed and seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades. Since the legendary success of his one and only novel, he has been a permanent fixture in the city's literary and social circles, but when his 65th birthday coincides with a shock from the past, Jep finds himself unexpectedly taking stock of his life, turning his cutting wit on himself and his contemporaries, and looking past the extravagant nightclubs, parties, and cafés to find Rome in all its glory: a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty.
Why watch
"The Great Beauty" invites viewers on a visually stunning journey through Rome's opulent yet hollow high society, as Jep Gambardella confronts the fleeting nature of beauty and the weight of his past. This contemplative exploration of life, art, and existential longing resonates deeply with those seeking meaning amid the chaos of modern existence.
Talking points
- the nature of beauty and art
- the impact of aging on identity
- the role of hedonism in modern life
- the search for authenticity in a superficial world