Dessert with Roman Holiday
I have always envied Audrey Hepburn her looks and her talent, but I will forever envy her opportunity to perform opposite Gregory Peck and, especially, her chance to kiss him in such an innocent and chaste role. He will always be the image I hold in my mind for masculinity and gentleness. It was my research into Abraham Lincoln and Gregory Peck's performance as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird that convinced me there is nobility in the field of law, something I thought was impossible.
I am so very glad this film was not colorized. It's stunning in black and white. Perhaps it's that the new colorized films of the time look trendy and smart and this film would have felt odd in that light. Perhaps I have no idea about what I am talking. The majesty of Rome and her people is presented in dignity and charm and collectively Rome is often referred to as the third lead in this film. At a time when so few films were filmed on location in foreign countries, Roman Holiday indulges the audience in the decadence of foreign travel. More importantly, Roman Holiday is able to tell a modern story in a timeless setting and in doing so the universal and timeless themes of the story are emphasized without heavy-handed exposition or narrative.
I love watching Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley trying to play Hepburn's character and gradually lose his immunity to her earnest and innocent charms as he falls into believing a fairytale could be possible and could be possible for him. I know how the story ends, but I was still holding my breath as Anya runs around the corner, the cut to Bradley's face watching her go, then the cut back to the empty corner with music that gives rise to expectation, only to be dropped when the corner remains empty, then later after the press conference as Bradley delays in the gallery after Anya's departure watching the corner around which she disappeared, then he slowly walks out of the room and stops to look back. Sigh.
The barber played by Paolo Carlini was adorable. He was equal parts stereotypical insinuating Italian male, enthusiastic schoolboy, and flattering gentleman. I think I enjoy finding standout supporting roles the most when it comes to rewatching films I've seen more than once. After getting the story and the broad experience from watching the film the first time or two, I'm free to explore the detailed elements of the film that created my first experience and appreciate the impact costumes, supporting performances, set design, soundtracks, etc. all had on my perceptions.
A dignified romantic comedy with depth and energy that was likely a classic from the day of its release. Highly recommended and not just because of my biased preference for Gregory Peck, though he is definitely a decided perk.
~Blue Skies~
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Quote of the Day:
Sorry, honey, but I haven't worn a nightgown in years.
~Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley, Roman Holiday
I am so very glad this film was not colorized. It's stunning in black and white. Perhaps it's that the new colorized films of the time look trendy and smart and this film would have felt odd in that light. Perhaps I have no idea about what I am talking. The majesty of Rome and her people is presented in dignity and charm and collectively Rome is often referred to as the third lead in this film. At a time when so few films were filmed on location in foreign countries, Roman Holiday indulges the audience in the decadence of foreign travel. More importantly, Roman Holiday is able to tell a modern story in a timeless setting and in doing so the universal and timeless themes of the story are emphasized without heavy-handed exposition or narrative.
I love watching Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley trying to play Hepburn's character and gradually lose his immunity to her earnest and innocent charms as he falls into believing a fairytale could be possible and could be possible for him. I know how the story ends, but I was still holding my breath as Anya runs around the corner, the cut to Bradley's face watching her go, then the cut back to the empty corner with music that gives rise to expectation, only to be dropped when the corner remains empty, then later after the press conference as Bradley delays in the gallery after Anya's departure watching the corner around which she disappeared, then he slowly walks out of the room and stops to look back. Sigh.
The barber played by Paolo Carlini was adorable. He was equal parts stereotypical insinuating Italian male, enthusiastic schoolboy, and flattering gentleman. I think I enjoy finding standout supporting roles the most when it comes to rewatching films I've seen more than once. After getting the story and the broad experience from watching the film the first time or two, I'm free to explore the detailed elements of the film that created my first experience and appreciate the impact costumes, supporting performances, set design, soundtracks, etc. all had on my perceptions.
A dignified romantic comedy with depth and energy that was likely a classic from the day of its release. Highly recommended and not just because of my biased preference for Gregory Peck, though he is definitely a decided perk.
~Blue Skies~
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Quote of the Day:
Sorry, honey, but I haven't worn a nightgown in years.
~Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley, Roman Holiday