In Italy, food is much more than just a necessity: it's an art, a tradition, a way of life. It’s no surprise, then, that Italian cinema has often celebrated food as one of its main characters. Through iconic scenes and mouthwatering dishes, Italian films have captured the essence of Italian culinary culture, taking us on a journey through flavors and emotions.
One of the first films to represent this connection between cinema and food is Poverty and Nobility (1954), starring the great Neapolitan comedian Totò. The famous scene where Totò and the other characters gorge on spaghetti, eating it with their hands, has become a symbol of post-war Italy's hunger and poverty. Yet, it is also a moment of joy and sharing, showcasing the importance of food as a means of bringing people together, even in the most challenging times. In an Italy marked by poverty, food becomes a luxury, a pleasure to be savored to the last bite, and a reminder that, despite everything, people always come together around the table.
A few years later, another iconic film, An American in Rome (1954), starring Alberto Sordi, captures a similarly humorous and memorable moment. In one of the most famous scenes, the character Nando Mericoni, obsessed with American culture, sits down to eat a plate of "American food" but ultimately succumbs to the irresistible call of a plate of spaghetti (see the picture). His line, "Maccarone, you've provoked me and I’ll destroy you!" has become legendary in Italian cinema, highlighting with irony the Italians' unconditional love for their own cuisine. Even in the face of foreign allure, Italian food remains an indispensable part of national identity.
Moving forward in time, we come to La Dolce Vita (1960) by Federico Fellini, a film that, while not centered on food, perfectly embodies the spirit of 1960s Italy, a country celebrating the pleasures of life, including good food. One of the film's most iconic scenes takes place in a restaurant in Trastevere, where the characters enjoy a meal of spaghetti. This moment captures not only the importance of conviviality but also the love for simple, genuine flavors, like those enhanced by a good olive oil or a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano.
In the 1990s, cinema returned to celebrating Italian cuisine with The Postman (1994). In one of the most tender and poetic scenes, the protagonist prepares a simple pasta dish with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a generous drizzle of olive oil, all while reciting love poems. Here, food becomes a universal language, capable of expressing deep emotions and connecting people. Although the film is set in a small village in southern Italy, the flavors depicted on screen evoke the very essence of Italian cuisine.
Another significant film is Big Night (1996), directed by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott. Although it's an American film, it tells the story of two Italian immigrant brothers in the United States, trying to save their failing restaurant by preparing a sumptuous dinner. This film is a celebration of Italian cuisine, its authenticity, and its respect for tradition. The scene where the brothers prepare the famous "timpano," an elaborate stuffed pasta dish, is a true ode to the art of Italian cooking.
Finally, there's Mid-August Lunch (2008) by Gianni Di Gregorio, a small but delightful film, a true hymn to homemade Italian cooking. The story, set during the Ferragosto holiday, follows the protagonist Gianni as he prepares a lunch for a group of elderly ladies. The kitchen becomes a means of exploring human relationships, loneliness, and the connection that only a good plate of pasta can create. In this context, simple ingredients like olive oil and Parmesan cheese become the real stars, bringing a piece of Italian tradition to the table.
Italian cinema (and beyond) has uniquely told the story of food, showing us how intertwined it is with Italian culture and identity. Through these films, we learn that food is not just sustenance, but also history, art, and, above all, a way to connect with others. Each dish portrayed on the big screen is an invitation to discover, taste, and perhaps try to recreate in your own kitchen that piece of Italy that fascinates us so much.
Buon appetito!
