Roman Holiday | Film Review

This is a review, what I thought, of a classic film. The Roman Holiday is something different from the generic romantic movies.

So a couple of days ago I got the flu and it was ugh. While laying on the couch not being able to do anything I came to the conclusion that I could just watch a movie, on Netflix that is. Roman Holiday is a great family film, but be wary of its different from most Hollywood movies.

Roman Holiday

Release date: August 27, 1953

Running time: 118 minutes

The Premise:

A trapped princess, a broke reporter, one day in Rome will their romance be short-lived?

The premise is pretty simple Ann, the princess is doing a Europe tour and lands in Rome where that night she has, because of her scheduled life, somewhat of a breakdown. A doctor gives her medicine and while she is on it, she decides that night to leave and experience the freedom she is not allowed. That night she encounters Joe who thinks that she is intoxicated, he takes her to his home as he does not want to leave her alone late at night intoxicated.

The next morning he goes to his boss and finds out, after a comedic period, that the girl in his room is the princess! Joe come to the realization that if he could interview her, he could become rich. Thus those are his motives for being with her.

Those next 24 hours are filled with new wonders, romantic cliches and so much emotion.Though she is in her 20s, Ann still has that innocence about the world around her, much like a kid. With Joe's friend, Irving, they spend the day exploring the city while the men try to hide the fact that they are using her to get the coveted interview. Will it end like they dream it will be?

*Spoiler Alert *

 Since I was watching a Hollywood movie I did carry the thought that it would end in a cheesy, cliched happily ever after.The ending is unforeseeable, wonderful and you could clearly feel the heartbreak, the dying hope and last of all the knowledge that it will not be a happily ever after. 

The Ending:

The ending was definitely not for everyone (my parents can attest to that) it's not a romantic happily ever after and many will not be happy with the outcome. About half-way through the film, the characters fall in love with each other, and though ones a princess and the other a pauper, we think that the characters are going to defeat all barriers and have a happily ever after. But no, before the ending Joe and Irving come to realize that though they can make money off the pictures and write an exclusive story, they decide not to exploit the image/life of the girl they came to know.

That last scene, is one where you can feel the tension, will they or will they not? After arriving back at the palace she comes to the conclusion that she cannot be free, for she has a duty to uphold to her parents and to her country. She has changed but not enough to put herself first.When asked what city she enjoyed most she is ready to give the same practiced words, but instead, say "Rome! By all means Rome" She then decides to meet all of the reporters where Joe and Irving are at. Joe's eyes are glassy and we can feel the sliver of hope in him that she will break the barriers and acknowledge him. But they know that they could never be together, but there is that hope. Irving hands her the package of photos and she takes it, shakes their hands and then walks back to leave. At that moment you can feel both their hearts breaking, and it breaks yours. Anne leaves and the rest follow suit, Joe waits though, thinking that maybe she'll come out and it'll all be well. Finally, he walks away and leaves and you know that after all that its over.

It becomes very clear that those 24 hours, for Ann, were just that: a Roman Holiday

Creative Elements:

The whole movie was filmed in Rome, Italy during the "Hollywood of the Tiber" era. Various famous attractions can be seen throughout the film: the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, Mouth of Truth and many more. It gave an Italian feeling through the eyes of an American. The views also reminded the audience that reason for the film, the holiday aspect of the title.

The shot on the Vespa has to be the one see we see Hepburn's character so free and happy. In various shots, the characters emotions were captured in such a way that the audience felt it.

Casting:

• Joe Bradley: Gregory Peck
• Ann, the princess: Audrey Hepburn
• Irving Radovich: Eddie Albert

Roman Holiday was Audrey's first starring film, she was just 24 years old, fresh-faced and soon became a hit in Hollywood. Gregory was at that point on acting prime and was actually the one to suggest to the director to give her equal billing on the credits. The film then became a hit and won an Academy Award.

Final Thoughts:

Roman Holiday is an exceptional film because of the scenery and the difference from most films. Though they did not end up together maybe they encountered each other again in the future? I like to think that maybe, just maybe they did have their happily ever after. 

Overall I totally recommend it, but if you only like happily ever after then this film is not for you. I'll be doing another post on the fashion!

I hope you enjoyed this, and please comment down below your opinions. Should I do more like this? or try something else? 

Sayonara