Roman Holiday

Cinema Series: 5 films which take place in Italy

Happy Sunday and welcome to Giselle daydreams! I hope you enjoyed my Lisbon travel diary. Today is the start of a cinema series to welcome the Summer and I’ll be posting about 5 films which take place in Italy across July and August. I will start the series with Roman Holiday. Enjoy!

I’ve always been a great admirer of Audrey Hepburn despite not having watched many of her films. Of course, I watched the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany (1961). However, Roman Holiday (1953) epitomises a daydreaming Summer in Rome. I’m mentally sitting in a lively piazza, savouring a gelato with a good book while writing and thinking about what I need to write for this post.

Roman Holiday is a classic romantic comedy directed by William Wyler and released in 1953. The story revolves around Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), a young royal on a European tour. Feeling overwhelmed by her duties and the constraints of her position, she secretly slips away from her guardians while in Rome. She meets an American reporter, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who initially doesn't recognise her. Realising her true identity later, Joe sees an opportunity for an exclusive story. However, as they spend time together exploring Rome, they begin to fall in love, leading to complications and a poignant ending.

Roman Holiday is not only a cherished classic but also a film rich with thematic depth, cultural significance, and cinematic craftsmanship. Roman Holiday weaves together several themes which contribute to its enduring appeal. The central theme revolves around the tension between personal freedom and social duty. Princess Ann is caught between her royal duties and her desire for personal freedom. Her escape from the confines of her royal life symbolises a quest for autonomy and self-discovery. Princess Ann’s desire to experience life as a commoner, free from royal obligations, contrasts with the expectations imposed upon her by her position. This theme resonates with audiences who grapple with balancing personal desires against societal expectations. It is universally relatable as it reflects the conflict between societal obligations and personal aspirations.

The film explores romantic idealism through the blossoming relationship between Princess Ann and Joe Bradley. Their romance, though genuine and heartfelt, is ultimately impossible due to their disparate social statuses. This bittersweet love story highlights the tension between idealistic love and the practical realities that often prevent such relationships from lasting. This adds emotional depth and realism to the story, moving it beyond a simple fairy-tale ending.

Ann’s escapade into the streets of Rome symbolises a yearning for adventure and escape from routine. It represents a break from her structured, confined life. The film captures the joy and excitement of exploring new places and experiencing life outside one’s usual boundaries. The notion of escapism is embodied in Ann’s spontaneous adventures, from riding a Vespa to enjoying simple pleasures like gelato. Moreover, the film itself serves as an escapist experience for viewers, transporting them to the enchanting and historic city of Rome.

Throughout her day in Rome, Ann transitions from an innocent, sheltered princess to a young woman who gains a deeper understanding of the world and herself. Ann’s temporary abandonment of her royal identity allows her to discover who she is beyond her title. She experiences life as an ordinary person, which is both liberating and enlightening. This underscores the importance of self-discovery and the search for authentic identity. Furthermore, this coming-of-age aspect reflects the universal journey from innocence to experience, a theme that resonates with many viewers. 

Joe Bradley faces an ethical conflict between exploiting his chance meeting with Princess Ann for a lucrative story and respecting her privacy and dignity. Bradley’s moral dilemma explores the responsibilities and moral considerations inherent in journalism and personal integrity.

Despite their feelings, both Ann and Joe ultimately sacrifice their personal desires for the greater good. Ann returns to her royal responsibilities, and Joe chooses not to publish the story. This emphasises the sometimes painful necessity of choosing duty and responsibility over personal happiness.

The film was shot in Rome, which added authenticity and charm to the visual storytelling. The film treats Rome not just as a backdrop but as an essential character that influences the narrative. The city's historical and cultural richness is explored through Ann and Joe’s wanderings. Shooting in Rome therefore impacts the cultural experiences on personal growth and understanding. Some iconic scenes include Hepburn and Peck on the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and the Mouth of Truth create a vivid and immersive backdrop for the story.  Interestingly, riding a Vespa through the city's streets popularised the scooter to an international audience. 

Henri Alekan’s cinematography captures the beauty and vibrancy of Rome. The use of natural light and on-location shooting creates a sense of realism and intimacy. The scenes where Ann and Joe explore the city are particularly noteworthy for their visual storytelling.

Roman Holiday played a significant role in promoting Rome as a tourist destination. The film’s romantic depiction of the city inspired many viewers to visit, contributing to its status as a travel hotspot.

Hepburn's performance is both charming and nuanced. She captures Ann's innocence, curiosity, and inner conflict with authenticity. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and launched her into stardom. Hepburn’s wardrobe, designed by Edith Head, has had a lasting influence on fashion. The iconic white shirt and full skirt ensemble she wears while riding the Vespa became a symbol of 1950s elegance and remains influential in fashion circles.

Peck brings a blend of cynicism and warmth to the role of Joe.  His portrayal of the charming yet ethical journalist added depth to the romantic storyline. His character arc, transitioning from a self-serving journalist to a compassionate protector of Ann's secret, is handled with subtlety and depth. As Joe’s sidekick, Irving provides comic relief and embodies the ethical dilemma faced by Joe. His character adds a layer of camaraderie and moral consideration to the plot.

The screenplay by Dalton Trumbo is noted for its witty dialogue, well-constructed narrative, and emotional resonance. Trumbo’s writing balances humour with poignancy, crafting a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Anecdotally, Trumbo who wrote the script while in exile in Mexico only received posthumous credit for the script 58 years after the film was released in 2011 as he featured in "Hollywood Ten" of blacklisted film industry workers. 

Wyler’s direction ensures a smooth narrative flow, with well-timed comedic moments and dramatic beats. The pacing allows the romance to develop naturally, making the characters' emotional journey believable and engaging.

Roman Holiday remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its enchanting story, charismatic performances, and picturesque setting. Hepburn's role established her as a major Hollywood star and fashion icon. The film continues to be appreciated by audiences for its romantic charm, memorable scenes, and the captivating performances of its lead actors.

Roman Holiday endures as a classic due to its rich thematic content, strong performances, and artistic execution which create a rich and multifaceted narrative. The film’s exploration of freedom, love, and duty, combined with its stunning portrayal of Rome, creates a timeless piece of cinema that continues to captivate audiences. Its cultural and cinematic impact is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted storytelling and unforgettable performances.

I hope you enjoyed the first film from this cinema series. I’ll publish the second film in two weeks, and next week I’ll post volume 20.

Giselle xx