Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category

Christmas is coming, and you know what that means. Cinepanettone!

Cinepanettone is an Italian genre, specifically a comedy film that is released in December (or thereabouts). The word comes from cine, short for cinema (which means the same thing in Italian and English) and panettone, the traditional Italian cake served at Christmas time.

According to Italian filmmakers, the cinepanettone was born after the blockbuster success of a 1982 movie, Sapore di Mare, a light-hearted comedy. The producer immediately ordered another film with a similar plot but set on the ski slopes, instead of the beach, for a holiday release date. And throughout the history of the genre, the formula has remained the same: easy jokes, catchy soundtrack, raunchy humor, the latest sexy “it” girl, and plenty of cleavage.

Even though it’s a safe bet that there’s never been a cinepanettone Oscar winner over the past 25+ years, plenty of Cinecittà actors have starred in them. In fact, actor Christian DeSica, who appeared in that 1982 flick, has been a mainstay. Italian movie-goers have also been a mainstay, as the cinepanettone is always a box-office hit, despite the critics.

Throughout the history of filmmaking, Italy has been a top destination for location filming. Searching on The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) for movies with filming locations in Italy will bring up over 6000 results including television series, new releases and American and Italian film classics. Whether it’s the scenic locations or the excuse for a vacation that draws filmmakers to Italy, visiting the sights of movie classics has become an area of Italy tourism all unto itself. Here are my top three Italy Movie Destinations to put on your Italy Itinerary:

3. Casa di Giulietta – Verona (as seen in Letters to Juliet)

Okay, maybe this one’s cheating a little bit, as I haven’t actually seen the movie yet, but The House of Juliet and her famous Balcony transcend film into theatre significance, as well. For hundreds of years, people have been visiting the balcony said to be the one where Juliet spoke to Romeo in Fair Verona. In early 2009, the city of Verona began allowing sets of star-crossed (and not so star-crossed) lovers to wed at the romantic venue.

2. Venice (As seen in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade)

Ah, Venice, indeed! When in Venice and in need of a chase scene, of course you’d be using gondolas instead of cars! Not quite my idea of an Italy cruise, but certainly a fun, iconic scene. Fun Fact: When Indy pops up from under the street in the middle of a square, he’s in Campo San Barnaba.

1. La Bocca della Verita – Rome (As seen in Roman Holiday)

The most iconic scene in a movie filmed entirely on location in Rome, this moment at the Mouth of Truth made millions fall in love with Audrey Hepburn. It’s Hollywood lore that Gregory Peck actually improvised his bit in this clip, making her reaction 100% genuine. The Mouth (actually, an ancient drain cover from the viaduct system) is located on the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Piazza Bocca della Verita.