6 cult films with the city of Venice as the key protagonist

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With its timeless beauty and romantic yet mysterious atmosphere, Venice has been the backdrop for many a film. All the more reason to (re)fall in love with Venice, both on screen and in real life.

Venice, with its winding canals, gothic palaces, and mysterious bridges, is a city that captures the imagination. This enchanting setting has inspired countless filmmakers, turning the Serenissima into a character of its own in several iconic films. Here are six must-watch films that, beyond their plots, offer a unique immersion into the beauty and mystery of Venice.

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6 films to (re)discover Venice through a cinematic journey to the heart of the Serenissima

James Bond: Casino Royale by Martin Campbell (2006)

In Casino Royale, James Bond (Daniel Craig) find himself in Venice to hunt down his enemies and save his true love Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). This film marks a crucial stage in the life of Agent 007, with a dramatic final scene in which Vesper’s fate is sealed in the city’s waters.

• Famous locations seen in the film: Venetian canals and palaces play a central role in the film’s climax. The scene in which Bond attempts to save Vesper takes place in a magnificent palace that is slowly collapsing into the waters of the Grand Canal, providing a striking visual sight. The Palazzo Pisani Moretta and its surroundings also take centre stage, reinforcing the city’s dramatic and romantic atmosphere.

The Talented Mr. Ripleyby Anthony Minghella (1999)

This psychological thrill, adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel, follows Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a young man who travels to Italy to bring back a wealthy heir, Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), but ends up consumed by envy and manipulation. Venice becomes the backdrop for his murderous schemes.

• Famous locations seen in the film: The beauty of Venice contrasts sharply with the darkness of the plot. Piazza San Marco, with its famous pigeons and gothic architecture, is a highlight of the film. The characters stroll through the square, enjoying the terraces and cafés. The Palazzo Barbaro, with its opulent interiors, provides the setting for some of the film’s most tense scenes, enhancing the atmosphere of Venetian luxury.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusadeby Steven Spielberg (1989)

In this third adventure of Indiana Jones, the famous archaeologist, played by Harrison Ford, travels to Venice to uncover mysteries related to the Holy Grail. The city becomes a crucial point in his quest, filled with secrets buried beneath its historic foundations.

• Famous locations seen in the film: Venice hosts one of the most memorable scenes, when Indiana and his father (Sean Connery) discover a map leading to the Holy Grail in the library of the ancient Church of San Barnaba. A thrilling boat chase also takes place on the Grand Canal, showcasing a Venice that is more vibrant and mysterious than ever, with its secret passages and underwater tunnels.

Summertime by David Lean (1955)

This romantic film by David Lean tells the story of Jane Hudson (Katharine Hepburn), a middle-aged single American woman who visits Venice for the first time. During her stay, she falls in love with a local antiques dealer, discovering the beauty and pitfalls of love under the Venetian sun.

• Famous locations seen in the film: Summertime highlights the romantic side of Venice, the kind one dreams of visiting. Jane stays in a hotel on Campo San Vio, near the Grand Canal, offering picturesque views of the city. The Ponte della Paglia, overlooking the bridge of Sighs, also plays a significant role, capturing the magic and melancholy of the Serenissima, enhanced by the beauty of its sunsets.

Don't Look Now by Nicolas Roeg(1973)

This psychological thriller, directed by Nicolas Roeg, is a dark and enigmatic piece. It follows John (Donald Sutherland) and Laura Baxter (Julie Christie), a couple mourning the loss of their daughter, as they travel to Venice. The city becomes the backdrop for mysterious and unsettling events as they try to cope with their grief.

• Famous locations seen in the film: Venice is captured here from a gothic, almost sinister angle. The labyrinth of its alleyways, bridges, and canals takes on a menacing appearance, enhancing the atmosphere of unease that pervades the film. The church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, a site rarely visited by tourists, is one of the key locations in the plot, adding a darker dimension to the image of Venice. The city becomes almost a character in its own right, reflecting their inner turmoil of the protagonists.

The Tourist by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (2010)

This romantic spy film features Frank (Johnny Depp), an American tourist on holiday in Venice, who becomes embroiled in a plot of theft and betrayal after meeting Elise (Angelina Jolie). The film highlights a glamorous and luxurious view of Venice.

• Famous locations seen in the film: The Tourist is a visual tribute to the beauty of Venice. The characters glide along the Grand Canal in a gondola, providing breathtaking views of the Venetian palaces. The Palazzo Pisani Moretta once again takes centre stage, and crucial scenes also unfold at the Hotel Danieli, one of the city’s most famous hotels. Piazza San Marco, with its splendid historic buildings, is a recurring setting that enhances the film’s Venetian charm.