She is the "Angel from Umbria" smiling at the human race, Marcello is on his knees as if in church, but he can't hear the angel, he only sees her smile and knows she is smling at all of us and our folly. It's all La Dolce Vita.
Fellini has Giulietta also make contact with the audience by looking straight into the camera at the end of Nights of Cabiria. .. He draws us into the moment almost anawares. .. Make of it what you will, it is a stroke of genius on his part.
@tubeyoume Yes! But then, just before it fades to black, the girl turns and looks through the camera! She's looking at you! What have YOU done with YOUR life! As if to ask, are you wasting it like Marcello?!
@sandrodream1 How can u say thiss?????Mastroianni and fellini was a real shit????? r u stupid???? yes u r stupid!!!u can say for my opinion they r brilliant as gassman but u can't say this??? the problem in this worl is that people as u speack but never understand!!!!!!!!!!
@sandrodream1 non ho idea di chi sia Justin Bieber. ma, a parte questo, non penso che un artista abbia il dovere di "far capire" la sua opera al pubblico: o una cosa ti tocca e ti emoziona o non c'è spiegazione che tenga. poi un critico può aiutarti a capire perché un'opera ti emozioni, ma l'emozione è tua. se Fellini non ti emoziona non direi che sia un problema di Fellini!
So he'd rather go back to his party of whores, faggots, and disgusting bloated fish creatures then spend time with that sweet innocent looking girl who reminds him of an Angel.
@sandrodream1 Fa' caso alle percentuali: Quelli che hanno visto Fellini e trovano questo film un capolavoro, sono una percentuale immensamente maggiore di quelli che hanno ascoltato Justin Bieber e lo hanno trovato bello. L'equivalente cinematografico di Bieber è Twilight, Puttano in saldo, il film stesso che sarà fatto su Bieber, quelle boiate lì insomma. L'artista deve esprimere le sue idee come preferisce esprimerle, le esprime in primis per sè stesso. Poi ai posteri la sentenza. Qua ottima!
@sandrodream1 non capire e non amare Fellini è lecito, ma dire, come fai tu, che sia "shit" mi pare francamente assurdo. pensi che tutti quelli che lo considerano un genio siano degli idioti? io, per esempio, non apprezzo Leone o Argento, ma non per questo penso che non valgano niente e che chi li ama non capisca niente. penso che, se sono universalmente apprezzati, una ragione ci sarà e magari sono io che non ci arrivo
@sandrodream1 I won't argue with you about Gassman, Leone, Argento (although I admit, I am not as familiar with Risi and Sordi). But I would disagree about Fellini and Mastroianni. I don't think it is fair to call them "shit" or a "joke"; they simply made or participated in different kinds of films. Whether or not you like this film, I myself found an entry point, identified with its themes and characters, and felt something. There are American filmmakers, however, that I would call shit.
One of my favorite scenes in any movie, which is why I use a still from it with my head on Marcello's body on my own channel (movie reviews). I haven't watched this in awhile, but watching it now, it's amazing how it retains much of its power. The older I get, the more powerful it is ... like a tear-inducing kick in the gut.
I was looking for the scene where there's a musical procession out of the big man's house....they'd been party-squatting or something. I like that scene. reminds me of ben's place in blue velvet for some reason..."...no....I don't want you to pour the beer. I want you to *^#! it..""
Regarding the "monster", I like the interpretation of the fish as a representation of Christ (as he is often symbolized). The film opens with the stature being flown in and the ladies on the roof unable to hear Marcello over the sound of the helicopter. In my view, there's something having to do with appearance vs. reality and our inability to hear truth over the lies and distortion.
Même circonstance, il y a des années. Mais derrière, il y avait le pays du Soleil Levant.... Jamais regretté... Que serait devenu Adso à la fin du nom de la rose de JJ.Annaud, s'il avait rejoint la jeune fille jouée par Valentina Vargas?... Mais il y pensait encore à la fin de sa vie.
That young woman has the sweetest smile . . . Personally, there's something about Mastroianni's performance that suggests his character isn't completely hopeless.
So symbolic, he is kneeling as if God is calling (or his half attempt at prayer?) but he does not understand nor hear. A transformation moment, both literally and symbolically. As he walks away, she is not disappointed, but smiles at him as a person would a child. I suppose the symbolism being that Marcello remains unenlightened but God is still watching over him.
There is no better way to end a movie. This is artistic perfection. I wish more contemporary directors would make the effort to create such poetic, humane cinema. Every single shot in this scene would be powerful as a photograph alone
Già, fa proprio riferimento a quello, la stessa cosa. Il mostro marino sarebbe la ragazza stuprata secondo te? O il mostro è lo stupratore e la biondina la vittima? O nell'atteggiamento indifferente di Mastroianni si consumerebbe uno stupro simbolico ai danni dell'innocenza della ragazza?
Questa scena fa riferimento a un avvenimento realmente accaduto: il ritrovamento ,sulla spiaggia di Ostia, del corpo di una ragazza uccisa e prima stuprata da un gruppo di ragazzi.
At first he doesn't remember the young girl but after one of his friends the brunette behind him calls him to come along with her he finally remembers but then looks down sadly as if he knows there is no redemption for himself that it's too late and walks away from what could have been a final last chance to redeem himself.
Nice discussion a couple of you have about the final scene; but I am looking for the earlier scene with the same young girl playing the juke box jazz in the desert cafe while Marcello tries to work at writing. Also more metaphors with the same two actors communicating. Does anyone know the scene "name search" here in Youtube?
watching this great scene again, I realize the sound at the beach is similar to the recording sounds Steiner plays at his house. It could be somehow related, as it doesn't allow Marcello listen to the girl. I also recall Steiner feeling uncomfortable in that scene.
Btw: I'm from Rome, and just late summer I was in those same beach, not far from Santa Severa (70 km north from Rome). There is also, so close to access a motorway, a restaurant where is visibile, as a big wallpaper, an interesting photo taked on the set with Fellini, Mastroianni, crew and others.
To have her nervy self-confidence and ability to shoulder something akin to rejection so intelligently...all the while wrapped up in her youth and innocence would be great at her young age.
Sorry it sounded unkind to you. That was not the point. Many people view in this girl a deity, some kind of an angel. Her face is very close to those of angels in italian paintings or frescoes. She could be the only chance for Mastroianni to escape his fake "Dolce Vita" world. But a dark haired woman drives him away from this blonde apparition...
"Stop putting a meaning to image"--what a typically lazy response. For those viewers who prefer to think about what they see, especially those who appreciate great art, like this movie, or at least those who acknowledge that a film like this one is crafted from many different elements--your comment is pseudo-nihilistic. And like Walter Sobchak says in The Big Lebowski: "No, Donny. These men are cowards."
off! man! culture is what certain people decide culture is... Anything else is shit. Well, let me tell you that the more you read and document yourself, the more humble you will be about deciding what culture is, or what certain things mean, etc. I only know I know nothing, man. And I don't mean to sound snob, as other people sound all the time... and bore others to death...
These images from the above clip exist in a context, which happen to be contained in a film called La Dolce Vita; so, yes, you can apply meaning to these images.
Wait, but this confuses me, as Stenier APPEARED to have the sort of life that Marcelleo hoped for, and which it seemed he might have gotten had he just kept writting his novel, or even if he had gone to the girl in the end... but Steiner's life was bullshit... this of course confuses me... but hey, a complex and wonderfull movie that makes you think
Love it. He saw this little girl earlier in the film when he was attempting to write his novel (as opposed to "losing himself" in superficially following around celebrities all flick). He doesn't remember her... as if he's lost his soul. His innocence. When she looks at us, she seems to be asking us not only to dance but the choice is ours... what will we do... follow our passion or get lost as Marcello seems to have done.
@TreborSregor Hmmmm perhaps Steiner was himself chasing bullshit, but instead of celebrities, he was chasing an idealized family and life of high culture that was itself built on a weak foundation....
Yes, this scene has a definite feel of death and rebirth, and also sugests perfectly a possible end to Marcello´s struggle. I think it´s one of the most beautiful film endings ever, expressing almost more tan one can emotionally cope with.
He walked away from the girl and denied himself a transformative experience; he couldn't even remember her and disregarded her just as he's disregarded himself. His ex-girlfriend was a nut, but she was right when she told him that she loved him more than he can love himself. When Marcello walks away on the beach, he walks away from what could be, if not redemption, at least a more genuine life rather than the empty cycle he live within.
@tubeyoume I couldn't have said it better. What are your thoughts on the "monster" that came out of the sea? It would not surprise me Marcello and all of those empty people delights around their own disgrace: Roma the decadent, the dead burgeoisie, the defeated monster... From my point of view, the ending not only represents Marcello's inner degradation, but also a whole retrospective of those days.
@tubeyoume I didnt interpret the final scene like that, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I was satisfied with the vague interpretation I had until now, the mystery was beautiful enough to make this a great film.
this links ideally with 8 and Half finale.. here Marcello is deaf to the words of the girl.. in 8 and Half finally he can open his eyes to happiness, Claudia Cardinale smile makes order in all the caos and he is finally free to be happy without any frustration.
the way the girl in the last 2 seconds moves her sight from Marcello to the spectator..
..seems to say .. and you? can you hear me? are you gonna dence with me? or you'll say sorry as he did? what's your choice? what is what you really want.. .I am the real happiness, new it's up to you what you want to do. up to you.
i think the artist Federico want to show that diference between innocent simple girl and the rich extravaganza people.....(sorry my english) i love the most the last part of this movie....
I totally agree with that statement, wolfsburg7208. I would also add that Marcello's role in this movie sealed his image as the typical "Latin lover", an identity he always said simply did not fit his private persona.
This is by far my all time favorite cinematic ending. I love the final seconds of the film especially Mr. Marcello Mastroiannilook on his face when he waves goodbye, absolutely classic. And of course, the innocent and charming young girl beautiful smile and in the final seconds turning directly at the camera, as if to say I understand.
She's like a Madonna, a creature of both knowledge and innocence. The way she turns her look of sweet acceptance and forgiveness from Marcello to us is devastating. It's one of the best closing moments in cinema.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
The ending to this movie is like the punch line is to "The Aristocrats"... HUGE, complicated, setup.. and a payoff that leaves teh average viewer with: "That's IT?". LDV is for film insiders. It's about structure... the moral is obvious and just not worth the setup.
lol, la dolce vita is MUCH better in my opinion. No offense, but age plays a role in watching masterpieces. I have had to rewatch so many films because I saw them when I was too young.
Thanks for sharing this gran finale of this grand film with us. I wonder if she will look for Marcello M., when she, too, passes away to heaven one day...
Love it. Guess the girl (she is much more womanly now than in the first scene, when she is just a child) is the Power of Life, the Feminine in Nature. Love when she looks directly into the ciamera. It is like she looks directly into soul, knowingly of the cycle of life. "He is gone adrift but I love him anyway and life goes on". that makes me proud of being italian.
No podía haber visto el video en un momento más oportuno pues me siento muy identificada con la escena. Sólo que mi adiós lo digo llorando cual Magdalena...
Wonderful scene. Love this film. my favourite. Marcello's frustration to walk alone, leave the superficial crowd, mirrors our own struggle in life to do the same. This film seems to be more and more relevant today . It is timeless. I love the girl's simplicity, her young eyes are knowing too, though, and wise, and humorous. It's like she knows understands his frustration and is trying to guide him away, but he can't leave the crowd, not yet. thanks
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JasonWolfeTumblrCom 3 months ago
She is the "Angel from Umbria" smiling at the human race, Marcello is on his knees as if in church, but he can't hear the angel, he only sees her smile and knows she is smling at all of us and our folly. It's all La Dolce Vita.
gigot600 4 months ago
Fellini has Giulietta also make contact with the audience by looking straight into the camera at the end of Nights of Cabiria. .. He draws us into the moment almost anawares. .. Make of it what you will, it is a stroke of genius on his part.
Josquinquin 5 months ago
This is me!!!!
Durhandoni80 6 months ago
@tubeyoume Yes! But then, just before it fades to black, the girl turns and looks through the camera! She's looking at you! What have YOU done with YOUR life! As if to ask, are you wasting it like Marcello?!
jkirschling 6 months ago 4
Splendid.
MisterBaAcKiTcH 6 months ago
@sandrodream1 ma dai su
Lucignolone90 7 months ago
@sandrodream1 non c'è questo pericolo....tranquillo..
Lucignolone90 7 months ago
@sandrodream1 hai dato prova anche qui che non capisci molto ne di calcio ne di cinema
Lucignolone90 7 months ago
@sandrodream1 How can u say thiss?????Mastroianni and fellini was a real shit????? r u stupid???? yes u r stupid!!!u can say for my opinion they r brilliant as gassman but u can't say this??? the problem in this worl is that people as u speack but never understand!!!!!!!!!!
wallcudi 8 months ago
@sandrodream1 non ho idea di chi sia Justin Bieber. ma, a parte questo, non penso che un artista abbia il dovere di "far capire" la sua opera al pubblico: o una cosa ti tocca e ti emoziona o non c'è spiegazione che tenga. poi un critico può aiutarti a capire perché un'opera ti emozioni, ma l'emozione è tua. se Fellini non ti emoziona non direi che sia un problema di Fellini!
mariannora 9 months ago
So he'd rather go back to his party of whores, faggots, and disgusting bloated fish creatures then spend time with that sweet innocent looking girl who reminds him of an Angel.
Fuck the sweet life!
fernandoiscrazy 9 months ago
@sandrodream1 Fa' caso alle percentuali: Quelli che hanno visto Fellini e trovano questo film un capolavoro, sono una percentuale immensamente maggiore di quelli che hanno ascoltato Justin Bieber e lo hanno trovato bello. L'equivalente cinematografico di Bieber è Twilight, Puttano in saldo, il film stesso che sarà fatto su Bieber, quelle boiate lì insomma. L'artista deve esprimere le sue idee come preferisce esprimerle, le esprime in primis per sè stesso. Poi ai posteri la sentenza. Qua ottima!
Lele91pw 9 months ago
@sandrodream1 non capire e non amare Fellini è lecito, ma dire, come fai tu, che sia "shit" mi pare francamente assurdo. pensi che tutti quelli che lo considerano un genio siano degli idioti? io, per esempio, non apprezzo Leone o Argento, ma non per questo penso che non valgano niente e che chi li ama non capisca niente. penso che, se sono universalmente apprezzati, una ragione ci sarà e magari sono io che non ci arrivo
mariannora 9 months ago
@sandrodream1 sarai pure italiano, ma non capisci niente di Fellini!
mariannora 10 months ago
@sandrodream1 I won't argue with you about Gassman, Leone, Argento (although I admit, I am not as familiar with Risi and Sordi). But I would disagree about Fellini and Mastroianni. I don't think it is fair to call them "shit" or a "joke"; they simply made or participated in different kinds of films. Whether or not you like this film, I myself found an entry point, identified with its themes and characters, and felt something. There are American filmmakers, however, that I would call shit.
MovieMattness 10 months ago
Una parola soltanto: poesia.
Che bella poi la ragazza lontana, un sogno di purezza e gioventù.
axlpoggi 10 months ago
best scene EVER!!!
extenebrislux 10 months ago
One of my favorite scenes in any movie, which is why I use a still from it with my head on Marcello's body on my own channel (movie reviews). I haven't watched this in awhile, but watching it now, it's amazing how it retains much of its power. The older I get, the more powerful it is ... like a tear-inducing kick in the gut.
MovieMattness 11 months ago
"You are only coming through in waves. Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying" - Pink Floyd
spi87 1 year ago 11
The Maestro lives on...he's lookin at us.
Happy Birthday!
pathoplastic2 1 year ago
She's half his age, and she's such a drip compared to the people at the party. Why would he go?
unclealand 1 year ago
I was looking for the scene where there's a musical procession out of the big man's house....they'd been party-squatting or something. I like that scene. reminds me of ben's place in blue velvet for some reason..."...no....I don't want you to pour the beer. I want you to *^#! it..""
newnewly 1 year ago
Regarding the "monster", I like the interpretation of the fish as a representation of Christ (as he is often symbolized). The film opens with the stature being flown in and the ladies on the roof unable to hear Marcello over the sound of the helicopter. In my view, there's something having to do with appearance vs. reality and our inability to hear truth over the lies and distortion.
Ratbastrd22 1 year ago
Même circonstance, il y a des années. Mais derrière, il y avait le pays du Soleil Levant.... Jamais regretté... Que serait devenu Adso à la fin du nom de la rose de JJ.Annaud, s'il avait rejoint la jeune fille jouée par Valentina Vargas?... Mais il y pensait encore à la fin de sa vie.
Dominaxel 1 year ago
That young woman has the sweetest smile . . . Personally, there's something about Mastroianni's performance that suggests his character isn't completely hopeless.
The1962driftingaway 1 year ago 2
She is innocence, now out of reach. Not only can he not remember her, but he cannot understand her at all anymore.
chegeny 1 year ago 3
So symbolic, he is kneeling as if God is calling (or his half attempt at prayer?) but he does not understand nor hear. A transformation moment, both literally and symbolically. As he walks away, she is not disappointed, but smiles at him as a person would a child. I suppose the symbolism being that Marcello remains unenlightened but God is still watching over him.
ykaiilah 1 year ago 2
One of my favourite endings, powerful, poetic and symbolic. Just like the 400 blows.
cineasta71 1 year ago 3
There is no better way to end a movie. This is artistic perfection. I wish more contemporary directors would make the effort to create such poetic, humane cinema. Every single shot in this scene would be powerful as a photograph alone
MSXXY69 1 year ago 2
Già, fa proprio riferimento a quello, la stessa cosa. Il mostro marino sarebbe la ragazza stuprata secondo te? O il mostro è lo stupratore e la biondina la vittima? O nell'atteggiamento indifferente di Mastroianni si consumerebbe uno stupro simbolico ai danni dell'innocenza della ragazza?
Ma per favore!!!!
Bernardino58 1 year ago
Questa scena fa riferimento a un avvenimento realmente accaduto: il ritrovamento ,sulla spiaggia di Ostia, del corpo di una ragazza uccisa e prima stuprata da un gruppo di ragazzi.
brayangrif 1 year ago
At first he doesn't remember the young girl but after one of his friends the brunette behind him calls him to come along with her he finally remembers but then looks down sadly as if he knows there is no redemption for himself that it's too late and walks away from what could have been a final last chance to redeem himself.
kadshah 1 year ago
Comment removed
kadshah 1 year ago
Marcello realizes that he will never have the innocence.
great scene
naharattttt 1 year ago 3
What does he say? I understand "non capisco", but what follows next?
marmotl1963 1 year ago
@marmotl1963 non capisco..I can't hear you. 'non si sente',you can't hear it,litterally
Giovannisenzaterra 1 year ago
It´s so sad to see,how time bypasses.
Wish I was...
CerberusvonOz 1 year ago
Forse la scena piì bella e significativa di tutto il film.
Che capolavoro!!!
sentenza976 1 year ago
i wouldnt want a world without marcello...
ladyennui 1 year ago
One of the most beautiful scenes ever.
nota85 1 year ago 2
Belissimo!
fabiocora 1 year ago 2
It's as if she's been by his side through the entire last half of the film and this is their goodbye.
solarwinter86 1 year ago
youth and beauty wave goodbye
phillfoote 1 year ago
youth and beauty waves goodbye
phillfoote 1 year ago
A very great ending to a film.
spurtfather 2 years ago 2
Mi amorrr Mi amorrr Mi amorrrrrrrrr
LolaMoraPz 2 years ago
ben olsam karsiya ayakkabiyla gecer kiza tecavuz eder geri gelirdim
vwcan 2 years ago
My God, that girl is so beautiful. Her face is just so perfect. It's so sad he chooses not to go over to her. She just seems so wonderful.
Soda7777777 2 years ago 3
@Soda7777777
Her name is Valeria Ciangottini, beautiful woman, good actress..
fellinian 2 years ago 2
@fellinian
Here she was only 13
fellinian 2 years ago
It's amazing how powerful and poetic such a simple scene can be in the hands of a master ... I get chills every time.
cerzule 2 years ago 41
Well said man,well said!!!
And that makes the difference between trivial movie carbage & eternal brilliance.
urbanigloo 2 years ago 2
@cerzule I weep every time as he is the human race ... weak and ignorant
OCKalil 8 months ago
Nice discussion a couple of you have about the final scene; but I am looking for the earlier scene with the same young girl playing the juke box jazz in the desert cafe while Marcello tries to work at writing. Also more metaphors with the same two actors communicating. Does anyone know the scene "name search" here in Youtube?
cosmiclight 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i have an original 60s UK QUAD POSTER OF LA DOLCE VITA on e-bay u.k at the moment for sale.
hurry
very rare
rosso1000 2 years ago
the most perfect end of movie i have ever seen
salvadoraugustus 2 years ago 13
oh yes, i think of this scene again and again...
valalishev 2 years ago 4
I almost agree... that young girl on the beach is like an angel.The whole thing is quite surreal.
rustino08 2 years ago 4
watching this great scene again, I realize the sound at the beach is similar to the recording sounds Steiner plays at his house. It could be somehow related, as it doesn't allow Marcello listen to the girl. I also recall Steiner feeling uncomfortable in that scene.
highway61lost 2 years ago 12
Very possible indeed...
belerice 2 years ago
Very considerable notation.
Btw: I'm from Rome, and just late summer I was in those same beach, not far from Santa Severa (70 km north from Rome). There is also, so close to access a motorway, a restaurant where is visibile, as a big wallpaper, an interesting photo taked on the set with Fellini, Mastroianni, crew and others.
pienodise 2 years ago 2
Greatest moment : true.
Downbythewater73 2 years ago 2
To have her nervy self-confidence and ability to shoulder something akin to rejection so intelligently...all the while wrapped up in her youth and innocence would be great at her young age.
cindyshealed 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
Downbythewater73 2 years ago
But..she's not really from OUR world, is she ? :)
Downbythewater73 2 years ago
Comment removed
cindyshealed 2 years ago
Sorry it sounded unkind to you. That was not the point. Many people view in this girl a deity, some kind of an angel. Her face is very close to those of angels in italian paintings or frescoes. She could be the only chance for Mastroianni to escape his fake "Dolce Vita" world. But a dark haired woman drives him away from this blonde apparition...
Downbythewater73 2 years ago 5
Comment removed
cindyshealed 2 years ago
And vice versa ! Bye... :)
Downbythewater73 2 years ago
the end is very similar to the end in Death in Venice, don't you think?
jackhillty1 2 years ago
This is my all-time favorite illustration of the lost opportunities due to a morning-after hangover (been there...)
spectre3003 2 years ago 3
sublime ... this moment who resume a life.
abimnazar 2 years ago 2
What 's the name of the girl on the beach?
agnestse727 2 years ago 2
In the movie her name is Paola, the actress: Valeria Ciangottini
breuervision 2 years ago 8
Her name is valeria Ciangottini. Now she's a great italian diva.
sasso11111 2 years ago 2
thank you! one of the best scenes of all time!! It elevates cinema to the level of literature--almost :))
seanmeggeson 3 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
all is bullshit-- stop putting a meaning to images-- they are as they come, life is live and death is the end
alexcurd 3 years ago
"Stop putting a meaning to image"--what a typically lazy response. For those viewers who prefer to think about what they see, especially those who appreciate great art, like this movie, or at least those who acknowledge that a film like this one is crafted from many different elements--your comment is pseudo-nihilistic. And like Walter Sobchak says in The Big Lebowski: "No, Donny. These men are cowards."
tubeyoume 2 years ago 11
off! man! culture is what certain people decide culture is... Anything else is shit. Well, let me tell you that the more you read and document yourself, the more humble you will be about deciding what culture is, or what certain things mean, etc. I only know I know nothing, man. And I don't mean to sound snob, as other people sound all the time... and bore others to death...
alexcurd 2 years ago
These images from the above clip exist in a context, which happen to be contained in a film called La Dolce Vita; so, yes, you can apply meaning to these images.
tubeyoume 2 years ago 2
@alexcurd You sound like Marcello towards the end of the movie lol
tripleleo 1 year ago
Marcello would have met the same fate as his friend Steiner.
A very sad ending, considering the elusive "sweet life" was was right in front of him.....
Thank you for posting.
vinniebaby1 3 years ago 6
@vinniebaby1
Wait, but this confuses me, as Stenier APPEARED to have the sort of life that Marcelleo hoped for, and which it seemed he might have gotten had he just kept writting his novel, or even if he had gone to the girl in the end... but Steiner's life was bullshit... this of course confuses me... but hey, a complex and wonderfull movie that makes you think
tripleleo 1 year ago
Love it. He saw this little girl earlier in the film when he was attempting to write his novel (as opposed to "losing himself" in superficially following around celebrities all flick). He doesn't remember her... as if he's lost his soul. His innocence. When she looks at us, she seems to be asking us not only to dance but the choice is ours... what will we do... follow our passion or get lost as Marcello seems to have done.
TreborSregor 3 years ago 12
@TreborSregor Hmmmm perhaps Steiner was himself chasing bullshit, but instead of celebrities, he was chasing an idealized family and life of high culture that was itself built on a weak foundation....
tripleleo 1 year ago
This scene its just so strong, the ending of the night,along with the begining of a new day, the ocean and the sweet girl´s face
54spiritedwill54 3 years ago 13
Yes, this scene has a definite feel of death and rebirth, and also sugests perfectly a possible end to Marcello´s struggle. I think it´s one of the most beautiful film endings ever, expressing almost more tan one can emotionally cope with.
apursansar 3 years ago 8
He walked away from the girl and denied himself a transformative experience; he couldn't even remember her and disregarded her just as he's disregarded himself. His ex-girlfriend was a nut, but she was right when she told him that she loved him more than he can love himself. When Marcello walks away on the beach, he walks away from what could be, if not redemption, at least a more genuine life rather than the empty cycle he live within.
tubeyoume 2 years ago 54
I like this analogy!
amme9nowlin 2 years ago 2
@tubeyoume
As much as i want to agre with the top comments(tubeyoume), i just can't.
that description may be what the director wanted to portray but the casual viewer wouldn't get all of that from the girls symbolic hand gestures.
Thetruthishere11 1 year ago
@Thetruthishere11
Then what do you "get" out of that scene?
If the casual viewer is, as you imply, a lazy viewer, then he/she will not "get" much of anything from a film or any other work of art.
Godard said it best about discussing movies: "Badly seen, badly said."
If a viewer won't push himself or herself beyond experiencing a film as anything more than entertainment, then he/she cheats herself.
"Badly seen, badly said."
tubeyoume 1 year ago
@tubeyoume I couldn't have said it better. What are your thoughts on the "monster" that came out of the sea? It would not surprise me Marcello and all of those empty people delights around their own disgrace: Roma the decadent, the dead burgeoisie, the defeated monster... From my point of view, the ending not only represents Marcello's inner degradation, but also a whole retrospective of those days.
rene0g0ade 1 year ago
@tubeyoume I didnt interpret the final scene like that, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I was satisfied with the vague interpretation I had until now, the mystery was beautiful enough to make this a great film.
OddEye83 1 year ago
@apursansar Well he has certainly stopped struggling, in that he has made his choice, for good or for bad
tripleleo 1 year ago
the dead "monster"..with eyes wide open in the sequence before..
GerardoSplannessa 3 years ago
the smile and eyes of the girl are devastating.
absolutely the more intense scene in film history
sapus74 3 years ago 9
this links ideally with 8 and Half finale.. here Marcello is deaf to the words of the girl.. in 8 and Half finally he can open his eyes to happiness, Claudia Cardinale smile makes order in all the caos and he is finally free to be happy without any frustration.
sapus74 3 years ago 2
the way the girl in the last 2 seconds moves her sight from Marcello to the spectator..
..seems to say .. and you? can you hear me? are you gonna dence with me? or you'll say sorry as he did? what's your choice? what is what you really want.. .I am the real happiness, new it's up to you what you want to do. up to you.
sapus74 3 years ago 8
Very true, implicates the viewer, such a great scene.
guarachon63 2 years ago 4
La scena più profonda del cinema.
The Deepest scene of history.
Mosak85 3 years ago 5
Come dance with me, you and me let us go, together. Remember.
paerarru 3 years ago 6
1:17
the way he says "sorry, goodbye"
ertyuiop976543 3 years ago 11
a master work by a master the film is flawed but its flaws and episodic strusure make it a masterpiece of the world cinema stage "play Patrica"
joeyhatesu 3 years ago 5
Fellini was the greatest artist in cinematic history. You can't equal this, only learn from it.
modernity2001 3 years ago 9
... and how all along she is standing in front of the cross
johnmahon03 3 years ago 4
how the little girl puts her hands together at 1.13!
johnmahon03 3 years ago 5
when i look at that innocent face..i see that Life can be sweet!
salvadoraugustus 3 years ago 6
i think the artist Federico want to show that diference between innocent simple girl and the rich extravaganza people.....(sorry my english) i love the most the last part of this movie....
salvadoraugustus 3 years ago 10
well, said, friend...you expressed what many of us feel when we see this film, especially the ending.
tubeyoume 2 years ago 2
The only truly comparable ending is that achieved by Michelangelo Antonioni in L'Eclisse.
wolfsburg7208 3 years ago 5
I totally agree with that statement, wolfsburg7208. I would also add that Marcello's role in this movie sealed his image as the typical "Latin lover", an identity he always said simply did not fit his private persona.
AsaNisiMasa7 3 years ago 4
In just two minutes, this film conveys volumes on love, humanity, and innocence.
HistoryGeek4U 3 years ago 9
Sheer brilliance. That's all there is to say, really.
DelilahDesmond 3 years ago 5
This is by far my all time favorite cinematic ending. I love the final seconds of the film especially Mr. Marcello Mastroiannilook on his face when he waves goodbye, absolutely classic. And of course, the innocent and charming young girl beautiful smile and in the final seconds turning directly at the camera, as if to say I understand.
DavIdwillMio 4 years ago 13
She's like a Madonna, a creature of both knowledge and innocence. The way she turns her look of sweet acceptance and forgiveness from Marcello to us is devastating. It's one of the best closing moments in cinema.
GHLIII 4 years ago 9
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The ending to this movie is like the punch line is to "The Aristocrats"... HUGE, complicated, setup.. and a payoff that leaves teh average viewer with: "That's IT?". LDV is for film insiders. It's about structure... the moral is obvious and just not worth the setup.
xrm1996 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I was never able to finish this movie, bored the hell out of me. 8 1/2 was much better.
eatpork 4 years ago
lol, la dolce vita is MUCH better in my opinion. No offense, but age plays a role in watching masterpieces. I have had to rewatch so many films because I saw them when I was too young.
Peace.
DrSamuels305 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing this gran finale of this grand film with us. I wonder if she will look for Marcello M., when she, too, passes away to heaven one day...
b707dc3 4 years ago
Love it. Guess the girl (she is much more womanly now than in the first scene, when she is just a child) is the Power of Life, the Feminine in Nature. Love when she looks directly into the ciamera. It is like she looks directly into soul, knowingly of the cycle of life. "He is gone adrift but I love him anyway and life goes on". that makes me proud of being italian.
cacofonico74 4 years ago 4
This scene its just so strong, the ending of the night,along with the begining of a new day, the ocean and the sweet girl´s face..
jamesjonez 4 years ago 3
II'll never forget the night I first saw LA DOLCE VITA and this fantastic and evocative scene. Maureen H, where are you now?
GHLIII 4 years ago 2
No podía haber visto el video en un momento más oportuno pues me siento muy identificada con la escena. Sólo que mi adiós lo digo llorando cual Magdalena...
azabash 4 years ago
Wonderful scene. Love this film. my favourite. Marcello's frustration to walk alone, leave the superficial crowd, mirrors our own struggle in life to do the same. This film seems to be more and more relevant today . It is timeless. I love the girl's simplicity, her young eyes are knowing too, though, and wise, and humorous. It's like she knows understands his frustration and is trying to guide him away, but he can't leave the crowd, not yet. thanks
westlondoncat 4 years ago 11
Nicely stated. And we wonder if the "not yet" will be "not ever."
tubeyoume 2 years ago 3