Movies have been filmed in Italy since the early days of silent cinema. All genres of films have utilized the different aspects of the Italian landscape and urban centers for their Italian movies. From exploring its vast history to its modern cafes to locations that are supposed to be set in a galaxy far, far away, Hollywood and many independent production companies showcase the value of this country.
1. The Red Violin | François Girard | Cremona, Italy
1998’s The Red Violin was filmed in Cremoni. Known as the birthplace of the violin, the city is known for the famed Stradivarius violins. It centers around a mysterious red violin and its owners over the course of 400 years. The city itself holds the Museo Stradivariano which contains drawings and models of his work. It also is well-renowned for its cathedral and churches.
2. Under the Tuscan Sun | Audrey Wells | Tuscany & Campania
Under the Tuscan Sun is a romantic comedy drama released in 2003. Based on a memoir by Frances Mayes, it tells the story of a San Francisco writer moving to Italy and falling in love with a local. Like most Italian movies, it features a plethora of cities set as the backdrop. Most of the filming is done in Tuscany and Campania, showcasing the rustic architecture. Two of the most famous scenes, the flag-waving and the wedding take place in Arezzo and Montepulciano respectively.
3. Il Postino | Michael Radford | Salina
Filmed entirely on the island of Salina off the coast of Sicily, 1994’s Il Postino is a great use of the beauty of the Mediterranean. The story centers around a Chilean poet falling love with her postman as he learns to appreciate poetry. The rocky coastline and beaches seen in the film are in the town of Pollara on the island. While the tourism has helped the island, it has resulted in erosion to the beaches from motor boating along the coastline, a challenge to those places Italian movies are made in general.
4. Star Wars Episode I & II | George Lucas | Caserta & Lombardy
Both Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones had scenes filmed in in Italy, released in 1999 and 2002 respectively. The Royal Palace of Caserta, located in the Campania region, was used as the Royal Palace of Naboo. Built in the 18th century, it has gardens, fountains, waterfalls and even lakes. The palace was also used in Mission Impossible III, released in 2006. In Episode II, the Villa del Balbianello in the Lombardy region is set as the backdrop to the romance and marriage of Anakin and Padme.
5. Roman Holiday | William Wyler | Rome
As a classic Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck from 1953, Roman Holiday was set almost entirely in Rome. It was one of the first postwar Italian movies to showcase the beauty and excitement of Rome. This romantic comedy centers around an American reporter and a royal princess as they travel around Rome. Roman Holiday makes ample use of cafes, waterways and architecture. This is a must see Italian movie for Italy lovers!
6. La Dolce Vita | Federico Fellini | Rome
One of the most famous Italian movies, Federico Fellini’s 1960 release, La Dolce Vita, is a classic story about a journalist seeking love in Rome. One of its most famous scenes is that of the swim in the Trevi Fountain.
7. A Room with a View | James Ivory | Florence
Released in 1985, A Room With a View was filmed partially in Florence. It follows the story of a woman in Edwardian times as she struggles with the end of the Victorian era and the introduction of a new century. It showcases the lavishness of the region, showing that there are many parts still reminiscent of the 1900 turn-of-the-century.
8. Cinema Paradiso | Giuseppe Tornatore | Sicily
The 1988 film, Cinema Pardiso, was the winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It follows the life of a filmmaker returning to his hometown in Sicily, reminiscing over his childhood dreams and romantic life. It showcases the small town aspect of the Sicilian island with lavish cinematic shots of the fountains and landscapes.
9. To Rome with Love | Woody Allen | Rome
Woody Allen’s To Rome with Love, a 2012 romantic comedy set around four different stories taking place in Rome. Another Italian movie showcasing the artistry and architecture of the city, it also explores the quaint cafe lifestyle and side streets that make Rome famous for interesting stories.
10. The Italian Job | Peter Collinson | Turin
In 1963, a British film company released the classic fast car caper The Italian Job. Starring Michael Caine, it follows a group of Cockney criminals planning and committing a heist in Italy. The movie features a number of fast cars such as a Lamborghini, Jaguar and Mini Coopers. It filmed primarily in Aosta in the Alps along the Great St. Bernard Pass and Turin. The final chase scene takes place on the famed “dead end” road that ends at the border and does not pass into either France or Switzerland.
Just like countless tourists have discovered, filmmakers have continuously returned to the sites and scenery of Italy. From Rome to Tuscany, Sicily to the Alps, Italian films have consistently used both the Romanesque architecture and flowing landscapes to tell their stories. It has also given moviegoers a good perception of the beauty and magnificence this country has to offer.