Italian cinema differs the most from Hollywood in its origins, while the start of American cinema was money driven, the birth of Italian cinema was about expression and showing the harsh truths present in the earlier 20th century. This expressionist approach has been fluidly changing ever since, with some films featuring realism, and others surrealism as artistic intentions evolved. There are many classic Italian films that have succeeded on an international level, such as Life is Beautiful (1997) which went on to win three Oscars, and The Godfather (1972) which gained a cult following worldwide. Hollywood has also been greatly influenced by Italian filmmaking and styles, such as neorealism, further noting the impact and power their films have internationally.
Check out CulturalPulse’s shortlist of the best Italian films over the past 70 years below.
