Splendor is the name of an old movie theater managed by Jordan (Mastroianni), who inherited it from his father. The theater is in decay and only generates debts and trouble, but Jordan gets aid in his almost quixotian quest from projectionist Luigi (Troisi) and ushurette Chantale (Vlady). However, Jordan is finally forced to sell the Splendor to businessman Lo Fazio (Piperno), which plans to transform it in some kind of furniture store. When Jordan leaves the theater for the last time (the very first scene), he recalls the glorious days of Splendor and movies in general.
Acting
Troisi's warm, wounded projectionist steals every scene he's in.
Direction
Scola opens with the ending — pure cinematic fatalism.
Cinematography
The theater itself becomes a character in gorgeous decay.
Director
Ettore Scola
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Massimo Troisi was already ill during filming; his gentle performance carries real-world fragility.
Scola modeled Splendor on Roman theaters he frequented as a youth, making this autobiographical elegy.
IT
