Marcello Mastroianni’s Best Films: Classics of Italian Cinema

Marcello Mastroianni is one of the greatest icons of Italian cinema, known for his unparalleled charm and remarkable performances. His partnership with directors such as Federico Fellini resulted in masterpieces such as La Dolce Vita (1960) and 8½ (1963), films that defined modern cinema and consecrated his unique style. In addition to these classics, Mastroianni shone in intense dramas such as Michelangelo Antonioni’s Eclipse (1962) and sophisticated comedies such as Divorce Italian Style (1961), demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

Throughout his career, Mastroianni worked with the greatest filmmakers in Europe, leaving an unparalleled legacy in world cinema. His films continue to influence generations, whether through the melancholic romanticism of White Nights (1957) or the sharp social critique of La Dolce Vita. For film lovers, watching his works is a journey through the essence of the seventh art. These are some of his best films:

1. Le Notti Bianche, 1957), by Luchino Visconti: Mario finds Natalia (Maria Schell) crying on a bridge over a lost love. Mario and Natalia start seeing each other constantly, and he develops a love for her, who remains waiting for his love. Based on the novel of the same name by Dostoyevsky.
2. Il Bell’ Antonio, 1960), by Mauro Bolognini: Antonio is a handsome and passionate man desired by all women, but he has a small problem: he is impotent. This causes him problems in his personal life and in his marriage with the beautiful Barbara (Claudia Cardinalle).
3. La Dolce Vita, 1960), by Federico Fellini: Marcello lives among celebrities, rich people and people who come and spend their lives empty. Among them is a beautiful and extravagant star, Anita Ekberg. Cronaca Familiare, 1962), by Valerio Zurlini: Enrico (Mastroianni) and Lorenzo (Jacques Perrin) are two brothers who were separated in childhood and who, as adults, are unable to love each other as they should. Even so, they try to develop a loving and affectionate relationship. Will they succeed?
4. I Compagni, 1963, by Mario Monicelli: Sinegaglia is an unemployed teacher who is forced to visit a friend in the city of Turin. Once there, he helps create a union for the employees of a local factory.
   Otto e Mezzo, 1963), by Federico Fellini: Guido (Marcello) is a filmmaker who has a mental block and cannot come up with any ideas for his next film. Pressured by everyone, he goes to spend some time at a spa.
5. Ieri, oggi, domani (1963): Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni live three different stories in this delightful comedy by Sica. De Sica once again turns to comedies and brings his favorite actors. Three stories about three different women and the man they love.
6. Matrimonio all’italiana, 1964, by Vittorio De Sica: Domenico is a bon vivant who likes to enjoy life with beautiful women. In one of his adventures, he gets involved with Filumena, a prostitute who will dedicate her life to him and who dreams of being recognized as his only woman.
7. Lo Straniero, 1967, by Luchino Visconti: This film was a wonderful surprise for me. It also features the beautiful Anna Karina and focuses on the character of Mersalt, a seemingly cold man who shows no emotion when faced with events that would shake anyone, such as the death of his mother. Based on the work of Albert Camus.
8. I girasoli (1970): The drama features a couple separated by war, in one of the most beautiful stories of love and separation in cinema, becoming one of the duo’s greatest successes.
9. Maccheroni (1985), by Ettore Scola: Robert Traven (Lemmon) is an executive visiting Naples for work. After a press conference, he is approached in his room by Antonio Jasiello (Mastroianni), who says he is his friend and that they met during the American troops’ passage through Naples during World War II. The problem is that Robert doesn’t remember Antonio, much less what happened during that period, but he decides to pay to see it.
10. Stanno Tutti Bene, 1990, by Giuseppe Tornatore: This is one of the most beautiful and sad films I’ve ever had the opportunity to see. It tells the story of a father who, on a trip, visits all his children. And in each house he discovers something new. It talks about relationships and how we don’t always open up enough to the people we love. If you can only watch one Mastroianni film, choose this one.

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Carla Marinho Leal

Writer, traveler and above all, curious about many subjects. She has studied cinema since 2002 and is a Specialist in Cinematographic Studies from UNICAP. Founder of the blog Purviance and the website Cinemaclássico. She loves Charles Chaplin, Raj Kapoor and constantly browses films from all over the world.

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