“Summertime”, 1955
Director: David Lean
Directed by David Lean, this romantic drama tells the story of a lonely American woman (played by Katharine Hepburn) who travels to Venice and finds love. The film beautifully captures the enchanting scenery of Venice, making the city an integral part of the story.
Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi, Isa Miranda, Darren McGavin, Mari Aldon, Jane Rose, MacDonald Parke, Jeremy Spenser, Gaetano Autiero, Virginia Simeon;
Production year: 1955;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Summertime” on the website imdb.com
“Don't Look Now”, 1973
Director: Nicolas Roeg
A British-Italian film directed by Nicolas Roeg, this thriller explores the lives of a married couple who, grieving the death of their daughter, encounter mysterious occurrences in Venice. The city's eerie and fog-laden canals contribute to the film's suspenseful atmosphere.
Starring: Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland, Hilary Mason, Clelia Matania, Massimo Serato, Renato Scarpa, Giorgio Trestini, Leopoldo Trieste, David Tree, Ann Rye;
Production year: 1973;
Genre: thriller, drama, horror;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Don't Look Now” on the website imdb.com
“Death in Venice”, 1981
Director: Tony Palmer
Based on the novel by Thomas Mann, this film directed by Luchino Visconti focuses on a composer who, while vacationing in Venice, becomes obsessed with the beauty of a young boy. The film is famed for its lavish visuals and the compelling way it portrays the decaying beauty of Venice.
Starring: Robert Gard, John Shirley-Quirk, James Bowman;
Production year: 1981;
Genre: drama, music;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Death in Venice” on the website imdb.com
“The Wings of the Dove”, 1997
Director: Iain Softley
This film, directed by Iain Softley and based on the novel by Henry James, is a romantic drama set in early 20th century Venice. It tells the story of a love triangle that develops amidst the conspiracies to deceive a wealthy orphan.
Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Linus Roache, Alex Jennings, Charlotte Rampling, Ben Miles, Philip Wright, Michael Gambon, Alexander John, Alison Elliott, Elizabeth McGovern;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Wings of the Dove” on the website imdb.com
“Everyone Says I Love You”, 1996
Director: Woody Allen
This musical comedy directed by Woody Allen features ensemble cast performances in various cities, including Venice. It uniquely incorporates the romantic ambiance of Venice into a series of musical pieces that advance the narrative.
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, Goldie Hawn, Woody Allen, Alan Alda, Lukas Haas, Tim Roth, David Ogden Stiers, Edward Norton, Natalie Portman;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: musical, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“The Tourist”, 2010
Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, this romantic thriller directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck involves a tourist being used in a plot by an Interpol agent. Venice's scenic backdrop plays a central role in the unfolding of the storyline, offering thrilling boat chases and picturesque romance.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff, Rufus Sewell, Christian De Sica, Alessio Boni, Daniele Pecci, Giovanni Guidelli;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: action, thriller;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “The Tourist” on the website imdb.com
“Casanova”, 2005
Director: Lasse Hallström
Directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Heath Ledger as the famed lover, this film depicts the adventures of Casanova in Venice, as he tries to evade the authorities and win the heart of his true love. Venice is not just a setting but a canvas that illustrates the opulence and vibrancy of the 18th century.
Starring: Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Jeremy Irons, Oliver Platt, Lena Olin, Charlie Cox, Natalie Dormer, Omid Djalili, Stephen Greif, Ken Stott;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Casanova” on the website imdb.com
“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, 1989
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this action-adventure film features scenes set in Venice where Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail. The iconic chase through the Venetian canals is both memorable and visually stunning, showcasing Venice's historical architecture.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, River Phoenix, Michael Byrne, Kevork Malikyan, Robert Eddison;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: adventure, action, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” on the website imdb.com
Venice has indeed proven to be a versatile location for filmmakers, its atmospheres ranging from the romantic to the mysterious, making it a favored destination in cinema.
In conclusion, the enchanting city of Venice has served as an evocative backdrop for a diverse array of films, each capturing different facets of its charm and mystery. From the mysterious allure of “Don't Look Now” with its haunting canals serving as a metaphor for loss and the unknown, to the romantic escapades within the intricate maze of its narrow streets in “Summertime,” these films not only highlight the city's unparalleled beauty and architectural marvels but also intertwine its rich history and culture into their narratives. Venice, through the lens of filmmakers, becomes more than just a picturesque setting; it transforms into a character of its own, embodying love, intrigue, and the ethereal. As the credits roll on films like “The Wings of the Dove” and “Death in Venice,” viewers are left with an indelible impression of Venice—not just as a city visited but as an experience lived, deeply felt through the power of cinema.
