Because of the movie, the term 'La Dolce Vita' (the sweet/good life) soon became synonym for a desirable decadent and laid back lifestyle, like the people from the upper class around the Via Veneto in Rome were living. They would spend their holidays in famous jet set places like the island of Capri, Portofino and Sardinia during summer and Cortina d'Ampezzo during wintertime. As Italy was quickly transforming from an agricultural country to an industrial country in those days, the income for the average Italian was rising. The people from middle class were able to afford themselves more luxury. At the same time, Italy was discovered by foreigners as a country with a spectacular scenery, a wonderful climate, beautiful cities, talented artists and delicious food. 'La Dolce Vita' was born. Unfortunately, at the end of the sixties, the sweet and good life had to make place for student protests, strikes and violence.
As the father of the protagonist of my book was working in Cinecittà, I have been looking into the world of the Italian cinema. Cinecittà is the Italian equivalent of Hollywood and was absolutely booming in the 1950s-1960s. It was the time of great directors like Fellini, Visconti, Rossellini and Pasolini. Italian actors like Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Magnani, Claudia Cardinale, Gina Lollobrigida and Totò . It is amazing how many beautiful movies were produced at that time. I think I am going to lock myself in for a few days and watch some... Love, M.
