Tuscany and Cinema: the films that have told this land
The beauty of the landscapes and villages of Tuscany has captivated the world of cinema, which has chosen these places as settings for numerous films. The list of films shot in Tuscany is extremely long, and many of them stand out as perfect backdrops for unforgettable stories. We have selected a few that you shouldn’t miss!
International Directors Charmed by Tuscany
More and more international directors are choosing Tuscany to shoot their films, drawn by the immense beauty of the landscapes and the art of its cities. The latest filmmaker to do so was James D’Arcy, a British director who filmed several scenes in Montalcino to produce “Made in Italy,” released in theaters in August. The film, starring actor Liam Neeson, tells the story of a London artist trying to reconnect with his son by renovating an old farmhouse in Italy.
Italian Cinema Icons in Tuscany
Not only international directors but also undisputed Italian cinema stars have chosen wonders like Val d’Orcia as the backdrop for their films, movies that have made history. Director Franco Zeffirelli set his films “Romeo and Juliet” (1968) and “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” (1971) in the landscapes, courtyards, and alleys of Bagno Vignoni, Pienza, and Montalcino. The film “In the Name of the Pope King,” starring Nino Manfredi, was also shot between Montepulciano and Pienza in 1977.
8½ (1963)
The first film we want to mention is “8½,” the masterpiece of the Italian cinema maestro Federico Fellini. This film achieved great international success right from the start and won two Oscars in 1964, one for Best Foreign Language Film and one for costumes designed by Piero Gherardi. Some scenes were shot at the magnificent location of Terme Tamerici in Montecatini.
The Two Lives of Mattia Pascal (1985)
“The Two Lives of Mattia Pascal” is a 1985 film directed by the celebrated Mario Monicelli and starring Marcello Mastroianni. The film is inspired by Luigi Pirandello’s 1904 novel of the same name. The story revolves around the character of Mattia Pascal, originally from Cortona, who decides to run away to start a new life between Venice and Monte Carlo.
Gladiator (2000)
Who can forget the scene of the Elysian Fields in “Gladiator”? The protagonist, Maximus Decimus Meridius, envisions a journey back to his family as he travels along a country road. The beauty of the landscape with gentle hills and wheat fields was captured in Val d’Orcia, specifically in the locality of Terrapille, near Pienza. The gladiator’s house corresponds to Podere di Poggio Manzuoli, in the municipality of San Quirico d’Orcia. This epic directed by Ridley Scott was one of the greatest cinematic successes in history, winning 5 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe.
Nothing Left to Do but Cry (1984)
“Nothing Left to Do but Cry” is an Italian comedy from 1984 that represents a meeting of Tuscan and Southern Italian humor. The protagonists, Roberto Benigni and Massimo Troisi, are also the authors and directors of this film, which is considered one of the most brilliant comedies in Italian cinema. Their performances are hilarious, and the entire plot of the film is a perfect mix of poetry and humor.
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