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La dolce vita: Was it Ever Roman, or Did it Always Belong to the Americans?
Davis, Alexandria Marie
Davis, Alexandria Marie
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Abstract
This thesis examines the origins, cultural meaning, and evolution of the concept of la dolce vita, questioning whether it was and still is an intrinsically Roman idea, or an American construction shaped by foreign perceptions. Analyzing the historical, economical, and social context of post-war Rome, this study explores the transformation of the city after the Second World War from a period of economic hardship to the glamor of the 1950s. It investigates the influence of American culture in Rome during this period, particularly through the lens of cinema and celebrity culture on Via Veneto. Federico Fellini’s La dolce vita (1960) is, therefore, central to this discussion, as it both defined and reinterpreted the phenomenon, ingraining it in the collective imagination. This thesis also considers the legacy of la dolce vita as a phenomenon today, exploring its commodification in tourism, fashion, and the media. Through historical events, film analysis, and contemporary cultural studies, this research illustrates how la dolce vita has gone from being a lived experience to a globalized myth, perpetuated in different ways both by Italians and Americans. Ultimately, this thesis highlights how the Roman dolce vita is less of a historical reality and more of a constructed dream by foreigners and a profit opportunity for hospitality and tourism businesses in Rome that continues to shape the perception of the Eternal City.
Description
Thesis (B.A. in Italian Studies, Minor in Political Science, Minor in History)--John Cabot University, Spring 2025.
Date
2025
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Keywords
Dolce vita (Motion picture), Italy, Social life and customs
Citation
Davis, Alexandria Marie. "La dolce vita: Was it Ever Roman, or Did it Always Belong to the Americans?". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2025.