The Great Beauty

Visually dazzling, Paolo Sorrentino's Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated odyssey through Rome examines the hedonistic lifestyle of acclaimed writer Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo), whose story begins at a bacchanal celebrating his 65th birthday. With hundreds of revelers romping around him, Jep thinks about his squandered years as a charming socialite who not only threw the best parties but who could ruin other people's soirees at will. Jep wrote a novel 40 years ago, and has since lived on his literary laurels, meanwhile scribbling superficial celebrity profiles. Dwelling in a sumptuous flat overlooking the Colosseum, he surrounds himself with friends and admirers. Accompanied by a middle-aged stripper (Sabrina Ferilli), Jep attends fashionable events with the upper bourgeoisie, strolls along the banks of the Tiber, meanders through deserted palazzos, and muses about his mysterious neighbor—until, one day, a stranger appears who introduces himself as the widower of Jep's first true love. The Great Beauty serves up a pulsating, satirical portrait of a suave, world-weary journalist searching for his long-lost idealism, while also experiencing the exquisite sights and sounds of the glorious Eternal City. Extravagant, elegant, and enigmatic, this wonderful meditation on opulence and decadence is recommended. [Note: Blu-ray/DVD Combo set extras include a conversation between director Paolo Sorrentino and Italian cultural critic Antonio Monda (38 min.), interviews with star Toni Servillo (13 min.) and screenwriter Umberto Contarello (12 min.), deleted scenes (6 min.), trailers, and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Phillip Lopate. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this Oscar winner.] (S. Granger)