Stealing Beauty Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl goes to Italy, everyone wants to sleep with her, and she maybe finds her dad… or not.

🍿 Stealing Beauty: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Tuscany

Lucy Harmon, a 19-year-old American, arrives at a villa in Tuscany owned by friends of her recently deceased mother, Sara. She carries Sara’s diary, which hints at the possibility that Lucy’s biological father might be someone other than the man she knows as her father. This sets the stage for Lucy’s dual quest: to uncover her father’s identity and to lose her virginity, as she desires a deeper connection with life and herself.

The Search for Her Father

Living among the villa’s eclectic residents, including a dying playwright, Alex, and the artist, Ian, Lucy considers various candidates as her potential father. She observes their interactions with her and reflects on her mother’s diary entries. Alex, in particular, becomes a confidant, offering her advice and perspective on life and love. He encourages her to embrace the ‘incredible frivolity of the dying’.

Losing Her Virginity

Intrigued by the idea of reuniting with Nicolo, the Italian boy she kissed years ago, Lucy initially seeks him out. However, their connection isn’t as strong as she remembered. Eventually, she develops a connection with Nicolo’s younger brother, Osvaldo. Their relationship culminates in Lucy losing her virginity to Osvaldo. This act represents a symbolic transition into adulthood and a deeper understanding of her sexuality.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lucy Harmon (Liv Tyler): A 19-year-old American girl who travels to Italy seeking to discover her father’s identity and experience first love after her mother’s death.
• Alex (Jeremy Irons): A dying playwright and friend of Lucy’s deceased mother, offering wisdom and support during Lucy’s journey of self-discovery.
• Ian (Donal McCann): An Irish artist and host of the villa in Tuscany, who becomes a potential figure in Lucy’s search for her father.
• Diana (Sinéad Cusack): The wife of Ian and friend of Lucy’s mother, observing Lucy’s journey with both curiosity and concern.
• Christopher (Joseph Fiennes): An attractive young man staying at the villa, symbolizing a potential romantic interest and a connection to the Italian landscape.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alex: “The incredible frivolity of the dying. You have to allow me a little frivolity.” – Alex says this with sardonic humor, acknowledging the absurdity of life even in the face of death.
• Lucy: “Why are you crying?” – Lucy said this as she innocently enquires why Osvaldo is crying after he tells her he wants to kiss her.
• Alex: “Up here on this hill, the only thing we have to talk about is each other.” – Alex says this emphasizing the enclosed nature of their world at the villa and their focus on personal relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,722,310
• Worldwide Gross: $4,900,436

💥 Stealing Beauty Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this film as a teenager and feeling transported to another world. The Italian countryside is breathtaking, and Liv Tyler is captivating. The movie is slow-paced, but it allows you to soak in the atmosphere and the characters’ emotions. I connected with Lucy’s search for identity and her exploration of love and sexuality. It’s a film that stays with you long after you’ve seen it, making you yearn for a summer of self-discovery. The music and poetry made me so happy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in European cinema”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films”
  • “People interested in films exploring themes of sexuality and identity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual situations”
  • “Implied drug use”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While visually stunning, *Stealing Beauty* meanders without a clear narrative focus, relying heavily on Liv Tyler’s ethereal presence. The film captures the beauty of Tuscany, but the characters and plot lack depth, resulting in a pleasant but ultimately unsatisfying experience. The film feels self-indulgent with its focus on the superficial aspects of art and bohemian lifestyles.
• Los Angeles Times: “*Stealing Beauty* is a visually intoxicating and emotionally resonant film. Bertolucci paints a portrait of youth, beauty, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of the Tuscan countryside. Liv Tyler shines as Lucy, and the supporting cast adds depth and complexity to this coming-of-age story. A sensual and thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and identity.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were mesmerized by the stunning visuals and the idyllic Italian setting.: Most viewers found the film visually beautiful and enjoyed the coming-of-age story.

Many appreciated Liv Tyler’s performance, noting her ability to embody innocence and sensuality.: Tyler’s portrayal of Lucy was seen as central to the film’s appeal.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but narratively weak film that relies on its atmosphere and cast to create a memorable, if somewhat shallow, coming-of-age story.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bernardo Bertolucci originally conceived the story and then collaborated with Susan Minot on the screenplay.”
• “The film was shot on location in the stunning Tuscan countryside, specifically around the area of Chianti, Italy. “
• “Liv Tyler was relatively new to acting at the time, and ‘Stealing Beauty’ was considered her breakthrough role, although it received mixed reviews.”

🖥️ How to Watch Stealing Beauty?

As of October 2024, ‘Stealing Beauty’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Stealing Beauty, you might like these similar films:

• A Bigger Splash (2015): Features a group of artists and intellectuals vacationing in Italy, dealing with complex relationships and personal dramas.
• Call Me by Your Name (2017): Coming-of-age story set in Italy with themes of sexual awakening, self-discovery, and the beauty of the Italian landscape.
• The Dreamers (2003): Also directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, explores themes of youth, sexuality, and self-discovery in a European setting.
• Enchanted April (1992): Set in Italy during the summertime.

🛒 Stealing Beauty Related Products

• Stealing Beauty [Blu-ray]: High-definition transfer of the film, enhancing the visual beauty of the Tuscan setting. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Stealing Beauty: Music from the Miramax Motion Picture Soundtrack: Features the original soundtrack with tracks by Liz Phair, Portishead, and more. A collection of songs that perfectly capture the film’s atmosphere.
• Tuscany Landscape Art Print: A high-quality print capturing the iconic Tuscan landscapes featured in *Stealing Beauty*. Perfect for adding a touch of Italian charm to any room.
• The Complete Mozart Clarinet Concertos: Immerse yourself in the world of Mozart’s clarinet concertos, as they are prominently featured throughout the film, adding emotional depth.

🎧 Soundtrack

Stealing Beauty features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rocket Boy” – performed by Liz Phair
• “Glory Box” – performed by Portishead
• “Say What You Want” – performed by Texas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Liv Tyler Does Her 25-Step Beauty and Self-Care Routine | Beauty Secrets | Vogue

Ever wondered how Liv Tyler maintains her radiant look? This Vogue video takes you through her elaborate 25-step beauty routine, and honestly, it’s both fascinating and a little intimidating! Check it out if you need some serious self-care inspo.

Liv Tyler Then And Now

Want to see how Liv Tyler has transformed over the years? This short video shows her early roles, including her younger self in films, and it’s amazing to see how she’s evolved! Such a timeless beauty.

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