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Roman Holiday (1953)

Rate: 9
Viewed: 5/17

RomanH
5/17: Before there was La dolce vita, there was Roman Holiday.

Both are very similar films, but I prefer the latter over the former, William Wyler over Federico Fellini, and Gregory Peck over Marcello Mastroianni. The jury is still out for Audrey Hepburn versus Anita Ekberg. Each is different in her own special way. Audrey is perfect for Roman Holiday while Anita was for La dolce vita.

What makes Roman Holiday a unique American film is it was completely shot on location in Rome, an achievement that was hitherto never done in Hollywood history, thanks to William Wyler. Gregory Peck gave a lot of wooden performances throughout his career, but he's quite good as Joe Bradley. Let us not forget the great supporting job by Eddie Albert who's perfect as his slapstick partner. He was rewarded with an Oscar nomination which should've gone to Gregory Peck as well.

It's the first big role for Audrey Hepburn. Gregory Peck, a consummate professional, guides her. Hence, an Oscar was given to Audrey Hepburn, the only one of her career aside from the Humanitarian Award, although I'm sure it was mostly due to being cute.

Ian McLellan Hunter may be the screenwriter for Roman Holiday, but it's actually Dalton Trumbo. Anytime a movie is based on his screenplay, my expectations are always set high. Hence, I'm happy with how the film ended which is justifiable. Typically, Hollywood would have Audrey's character breaking ranks by having one last kiss with Joe Bradley.

All in all, Roman Holiday is a special romantic comedy picture, one of the fewest when Audrey Hepburn is tolerable enough to put up with.