Ventnor Film Society present ... The Great Beauty

In the heat of a Roman summer, we meet Jep, an ageing journalist and veteran seducer. With just one successful novel to his name, he is a familiar, if detached, figure on Rome's party scene.

The film opens with an extravaganza of a birthday party as Jep turns sixty-five, but the trivial decadent life is beginning to lose its appeal.

When a shocking encounter from his past reminds him of his first love, he begins to re-evaluate his life and reflect on missed opportunities. He begins a long exploration of the city he loves in search of beauty and an understanding of his past, to a rich musical accompaniment.

Sorrentino's sumptuous creation of the Roman cityscape is a visual feast as we accompany Jep on his breathtaking tour of the Eternal City. In the tradition of Rossellini and Fellini, Sorrentino sets out to depict present day Rome and its people in a kaleidoscope of episodes, images, words and music. Past and present, reality and dreams mingle in a cinematic masterpiece, featuring cameo roles from some of Italy's finest actors.

Tickets are £5 each, but you must book in advance. Please email [email protected]