Is The Film 'La Dolce Vita': True Or False Religion?

The Vatican post the release of La Dolce Vita condemned the film as being pornographic and an insult to the traditional Italian Catholic church. The film with its play on the Italian essence of Hollywood was extravagant and not what could be considered as following the practices of the Catholic Church. But, why then did some believe that aspects of the film point to false spirituality? This falsity was seen in the opening scene as a statue of Jesus Christ was flown over the city, symbolizing what seemed to some as a great awakening. As the statute was flown over the city however it awoke bikini-clad women on a roof top that proceeded to flirt with the men flying the statue. This is the earliest reference in the film that this movie will show the side of Italy that has left the traditional values of the Catholic Church and as Burke’s article stated, …show more content…
In the words of Burke, “A new vision of the angelic and spiritual- in the person of Paola- dominates the last moments of La Dolce Vita, (Burke p. 109). This scene paradoxes and completes the opening scene of the film. The opening scene which pointed towards a “Great Awakening,” which is then translated into Paola’s emergence as this angelic Second Awakening. Thus, the film seems to come full circle. I do agree with the idea that a vast majority of the film pokes fun of the traditional Italian Catholic Church, with its scandalous sex appeal of the characters, partying and lavish lifestyles. However, it is the ending scene that makes me believe that perhaps the film is meant to show that even in this new way of life one can find a way back to the church, despite all of their promiscuous behavior. The main character in the film appeared to reach this point while being, “annulled,” at the end of the film and the angelic view of Paola we are left with furthers this