The art of ancient Rome contributed enormously to the development of Western culture. The process continued in the Middle Ages and even today. Italians continue to be some of the most skilled in the art of film. We present to you the most famous Italian directors.
10. Roberto Benigni (born 1952)
Best Film: Life is Beautiful
Benigni is the youngest on this list and is probably the best known to modern audiences. Benigni starred in and directed the tragic comedy “Life is Beautiful,” about a Jewish man and his son who end up in a concentration camp. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning Best Foreign Language Film, and Benigni was named Best Actor. The Italian also directed two other films, one of which was “Pinocchio.”
9. Sergio Leone (1929 – 1989)
Best Picture: Once Upon a Time in the West
Leone, famous for his Italian Westerns, introduced the extreme close-up to this genre of films. Leone was practically born into the film industry, as his father was a pioneer of cinema and his mother an actress. Leone demanded that the music be composed before the scenes were shot. He made an phone number list immense contribution to the development of Italian cinema and is regarded as a true master.
8. Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922-1975)
Best Film: Mamma Roma
Pasolini is known for his last film, the shocking and controversial “Salo”. It is based on the Marquis de Sade’s book, “The 120 Days of Sodomy”. The film was rich in neorealism and showed a sad, hidden but concrete reality. The director promoted the idea that the world is holy by its own nature and does not need spiritual essences or supernatural blessings. Pasolini was an avowed communist, atheist and homosexual.
Top 10 Italian directors
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