8 Movies to Get You Hyped for Rome
I love movies. I love watching movies, thinking about movies, discussing movies – love love love movies. I’m watching a movie as I write this (it’s The Two Towers, jsyk). I was walking through Rome today, thinking about movies, so I decided to share with you all eight movies I watched before I came to Rome, each of which got me excited to arrive in all sorts of different genres. Here they are, in no particular order.
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) directed by Guy Ritchie.
This movie is endless fun. I love this movie so much. Although it is not entirely in Rome, the majority of it is – combined with jazzy ’60s aesthetic, spy movie stereotypes, and the combined chemistry of Henry Cavill, Alicia Vikander, and Armie Hammer. All of that plus the clever genius of the director means that every time I watch this I see something new and smile a little bit wider. Prominent Rome locations include the Tiber river, the Colosseum, and the Spanish Steps.
2. Roman Holiday (1953), dir. William Wyler
The classic Roman movie with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. How could you go wrong? The spirit of exploration fills this movie, and makes you want to wander the city streets endlessly – and you can, when you’re here! It has all you could want in a Roman movie – Italians who talk with their hands, café and food culture, and beautiful fashion. Prominent Rome locations include the Mouth of Truth, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
3. Gladiator (2000), dir. Ridley Scott
Okay, okay. This movie is barely set in Rome. But you can’t walk five feet downtown without being hit in the face by a tourist-junk shop, and all of those stands and stores sell Colosseum and gladiator-related trinkets. Did you know there was a Colosseum here? Does Rome have a Colosseum? I had no idea. Still, Gladiator is a beautiful movie that gives you a look inside Ancient Rome, one of many you’re bound to get anyway. Prominent Rome location: Uh, the Colosseum. And they mention Ostia Antica, which you may or may not see during your time here.
4. The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003), dir. Jim Fall
Of course this movie is included in the list. It’s teen bop, 90’s kids childhoods, and good clean Disney channel fun all in one. Plus, you’ll be hearing everyone and their sister reference this movie at least three separate times, so if you haven’t seen it yet you’ll miss all of the lines! I mean, Rome is what dreams are made of… Prominent Rome locations: Trevi fountain, of course. No need to look elsewhere.
5. La Dolce Vita (1960), dir. Federico Fellini
If you’re looking for a classic Italian film, look no further. La Dolce Vita gives a lot of Americans the only perspective they have on modern Italy, and it sure is a shiny one, but so much fun. And jewels. And high society. Romance, cinematography, fame and fortune, blitz and glam and drama drama drama. But also the beauty of life, and of this eternal city. Watch this movie. It’s wonderful. Prominent Rome locations: Everywhere. The Tiber river, the Vatican, the Baths of Caracalla, and on and on.
6. To Rome with Love (2012), dir. Woody Allen
As you’ll soon learn, Rome is a city of stories. Your own mingles with mine, history with the modern day, people from around the world and even just the story of how one brick got to another place, and why. Woody Allen’s slightly-magical slightly- romantic stories in this movie mix together to highlight some different paths that can be taken, and have been taken, in Rome. It’s exactly what a movie called ‘To Rome With Love’ should be like – equal parts praise and postcard and red lipstick kisses. Prominent Rome locations: Everywhere. Italian culture. Not so much the tourist spots but the life of the city where people live and work.
7. Angels and Demons (2009), dir. Ron Howard
As a history student, I’m not Dan Brown (the original author)’s biggest fan. But, as someone who loves Rome, I can at least say his work and the subsequent movie have brought more interest and tourism. My father really likes Dan Brown, so I brought him to all the places where priests were murdered in this movie. A pleasant family outing – but we sure saw a lot! Watch this movie if the lightheartedness of the Lizzie MccGuire movie or La Dolce Vita is getting you down. It’s dark. It’s edgy. It’s fictional (but still real) Rome. Prominent Rome locations: The Vatican, Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, and more.
8. Elsa and Fred (2014), dir. Michael Redford.
Whether you choose to watch this version or the original Argentinian version, it’s like gelato on a summer day. Sweet, delightful, but a little sad towards the end when everything starts melting. This movie is not exactly set in Rome, but the main character loves La Dolce Vita, so if you love it, you’ll love this. It’s very charming, two old people falling in love and following their hearts. I relate to Fred, one of the main characters, who is described as ‘spends most of his time lying down.’ At least, in Chicago. Here, there’s so much to do and see, I barely lay down to sleep!
That’s all I have for today. Until next time!