The beauty of cinemas as a cultural hub and gathering place for the community is explored in this touching story set within the aisles of a cinema named Splendor and focusing on three main characters: Jordan, Luigi, and Chantal. Jordan, portrayed by the great Marcello Mastroianni, is an old projectionist who has dedicated his life to the cinema. Luigi, played by Massimo Troisi, is a man who inherits the old theatre and tries to keep it running despite facing financial difficulties and Chantal, portrayed by Marina Vlady, is the woman who both Jordan and Luigi love.
Echoes of Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso flow through the narrative as it presents themes of love, nostalgia, and the passage of time. It reflects on the magic and significance of cinema as a place where dreams and reality intertwine.
Receiving critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and the remarkable performances of its cast, particularly Marcello Mastroianni and Massimo Troisi, Splendor remains a cherished gem among cinephiles and is indeed an ode to the golden age of cinema.
WINNER – Best Cinematography, Nastro d’Argento Awards 1989
NOMINEE – Palme d’Or Cannes 1989
NOMINEE (x6) – David di Donatello Awards 1989
"Basks in the history of cinema."
- Reel Views
Tuesday 19th September
99 min
18+
Marcello Mastroianni, Massimo Troisi, Marina Vlady, Paolo Villoresi, Pamela Villoresi, Mauro Bosco
Ettore Scola
Film Festival
Italian with English subtitles
Palace Barracks
