There may be some spoilers….don’t say I did not warn you.
I would choose no other film than William Wyler’s Roman Holiday (1953) as the debut of my reviews. For me, this film is an emblem of the romance comedy genre, one that set a trend to future films. The film’s infamous scene of La Bocca della Verità is even referred to in modern day romantic comedies such as in Only You (1994), demonstrating the impact of this piece of art. This film manifests wonderful performances, a charming little story and delightful writing and directing. I would highly recommend this film to anyone. I fell in love with this film at first sight, which Is why I can watch it again and again, always discovering something new I love about it.
Wyler , the producer and director, portrays the fantasy fairy tale like story but manages to juxtapose it with the harsh reality that inevitably hinders the conquest of love, whilst using Rome as a backdrop for this love story. The approach of the princess desiring to lead a “normal” life is an interesting portrayal of the Cinderella fairy tale story. In a way this films reverses the rags to riches element. Various elements of the film complete this magical romance. The princess, portrayed by the ever-talented and stunning Audrey Hepburn, is depicted to have lost her shoe in the first scene setting her as Cinderella. The contrast between the fairy tale princess and real life is demonstrated at the beginning of the film when she is seen at the window gazing at the nightlife in Rome, emphasising her yearning to be reunited with her deepest desires, to lead a normal life, which she eventually fulfils by running away. Thus, already in the first few scenes we are intrigued to discover why a princess would want to run away from what arguably every girl would want to be: a princess. On her irrational flee, Princess Ann, later on known as Smitty, meets the handsome yet “mean” journalist, Joe Bradley, portrayed by Gregory Peck. Every princess of course needs her prince charming. Well sort of. This kind of meet cute is one that plays against the conventional love at first sight instance as well they do not dote upon each other immediately. However, in the midst of an argument the attraction between them is undeniable and thus again the story manages to compel us as we want to discover more and we are curious to find out where their respective different backgrounds will lead them. With these elements set in place Wyler has set a journey for us to take with the princess to what is bound to be a fulfilment for all of her desires. Whilst focusing on the storyline, including various humorous moments, Wyler also utilises the camera to show Rome to his audience. Just as much as the characters themselves are visiting the city, the camera’s point of view invites us to be part of the tour. Therefore, not only is the film an exposition of a romantic charming story but it is one that exposes another protagonist in the film: Rome. It is after all the city that accommodates their adventures. The film is rich in variety apart from wonderful dialogue and beautiful scenery, Wyler chose to include a scene that imitates the silent film era, relying upon the music, which has consequently given more depth and to the film. The concept of time is something that is for me especially interesting. All the adventures and events take place in one day deeming it therefore quite unrealistic for so much to happen in such a time period; yet realistic at the same time due to the fact that the Princess’ royal status would not have allowed her to remain missing for too long a time. It is the chemistry between the two protagonists that add much more to this unpredictable romance. The story and the acting is so captivating that it causes you to dismiss the concept of time and reality and embrace their beautiful adventure. However, just like Cinderella (in reverse) as the clock nears the later hours, her true identity will be have to be revealed therefore we are hit by a wave of anxiety of what is to happen. It is the harsh and sudden ending of the film that brings us back to reality. This is why I adore this film , because whilst it is a romance, it does not allow the concept of love blind us away from life’s obstacles and remind us that sometimes fairytales should only remain in books.
I would choose no other film than William Wyler’s Roman Holiday (1953) as the debut of my reviews. For me, this film is an emblem of the romance comedy genre, one that set a trend to future films. The film’s infamous scene of La Bocca della Verità is even referred to in modern day romantic comedies such as in Only You (1994), demonstrating the impact of this piece of art. This film manifests wonderful performances, a charming little story and delightful writing and directing. I would highly recommend this film to anyone. I fell in love with this film at first sight, which Is why I can watch it again and again, always discovering something new I love about it.
Wyler , the producer and director, portrays the fantasy fairy tale like story but manages to juxtapose it with the harsh reality that inevitably hinders the conquest of love, whilst using Rome as a backdrop for this love story. The approach of the princess desiring to lead a “normal” life is an interesting portrayal of the Cinderella fairy tale story. In a way this films reverses the rags to riches element. Various elements of the film complete this magical romance. The princess, portrayed by the ever-talented and stunning Audrey Hepburn, is depicted to have lost her shoe in the first scene setting her as Cinderella. The contrast between the fairy tale princess and real life is demonstrated at the beginning of the film when she is seen at the window gazing at the nightlife in Rome, emphasising her yearning to be reunited with her deepest desires, to lead a normal life, which she eventually fulfils by running away. Thus, already in the first few scenes we are intrigued to discover why a princess would want to run away from what arguably every girl would want to be: a princess. On her irrational flee, Princess Ann, later on known as Smitty, meets the handsome yet “mean” journalist, Joe Bradley, portrayed by Gregory Peck. Every princess of course needs her prince charming. Well sort of. This kind of meet cute is one that plays against the conventional love at first sight instance as well they do not dote upon each other immediately. However, in the midst of an argument the attraction between them is undeniable and thus again the story manages to compel us as we want to discover more and we are curious to find out where their respective different backgrounds will lead them. With these elements set in place Wyler has set a journey for us to take with the princess to what is bound to be a fulfilment for all of her desires. Whilst focusing on the storyline, including various humorous moments, Wyler also utilises the camera to show Rome to his audience. Just as much as the characters themselves are visiting the city, the camera’s point of view invites us to be part of the tour. Therefore, not only is the film an exposition of a romantic charming story but it is one that exposes another protagonist in the film: Rome. It is after all the city that accommodates their adventures. The film is rich in variety apart from wonderful dialogue and beautiful scenery, Wyler chose to include a scene that imitates the silent film era, relying upon the music, which has consequently given more depth and to the film. The concept of time is something that is for me especially interesting. All the adventures and events take place in one day deeming it therefore quite unrealistic for so much to happen in such a time period; yet realistic at the same time due to the fact that the Princess’ royal status would not have allowed her to remain missing for too long a time. It is the chemistry between the two protagonists that add much more to this unpredictable romance. The story and the acting is so captivating that it causes you to dismiss the concept of time and reality and embrace their beautiful adventure. However, just like Cinderella (in reverse) as the clock nears the later hours, her true identity will be have to be revealed therefore we are hit by a wave of anxiety of what is to happen. It is the harsh and sudden ending of the film that brings us back to reality. This is why I adore this film , because whilst it is a romance, it does not allow the concept of love blind us away from life’s obstacles and remind us that sometimes fairytales should only remain in books.