THE TERRACE (Ettore Scola, 1980)
During summer, a group of intellectuals from Rome’s bourgeoisie repeatedly meet on a terrace. Among them are a screenwriter in crisis (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a journalist (Marcello Mastroianni) who is about to end his love affair with his partner (Carla Gravina), a communist MP (Vittorio Gassman), a depressed RAI TV executive who is constantly on a diet (Serge Reggiani), and a producer in search of a blockbuster film (Ugo Tognazzi). At the end of the summer, when they can no longer meet on the terrace, they shut themselves indoors and sing songs from their youth.
After the success of We All Loved Each Other So Much, director Ettore Scola confirms his ability to handle a plurality of actors, spaces, and situations with a disenchanted and sometimes ironic gaze. The film is full of critical and melancholic reflections on a season (and ensemble cast) that is in a slow and inexorable decline. The film is celebrated for its clever screenplay, noteworthy performances (of Ugo Tognazzi, as well as Carla Gravina, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Ombretta Colli), and soundtrack (by Armando Trovajoli). The film was screened at the 33rd Cannes Film Festival, where it won two awards: Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Carla Gravina).
Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC
With English subtitles. Free entrance. Booking essential here.
