Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci (my mortal enemy), Stealing Beauty follows the story of 15 year-old callow Lucy Harmon (Liv Tyler) who once visited the Tuscan town where her mother once enchanted the local male population.
Fig 1.1: Gorgeous Shot.
Four years later, in the wake of her mother's suicide, Lucy returns to the village. She plans to write some poetry, learn more about her family history and reunite with a boy she once kissed.
Fig 1.2: This mirror scene was weirdly funny.
Surveying an expansive field of suitors, Lucy finds herself taken with unattainable Alex (Jeremy Irons), as her journey imparts some unexpected lessons about love.
I think my favorite part about this film—aside from how gorgeous it is—is the cast... but mostly Jeremy Irons. He is truly one of the greatest actors of his generation. The way he delivered his lines, and acted with his eyes and subtle touches took this movie to a whole other level for me.
Fig 1.3: Liv Tyler.
This movie has gorgeous scenery, and a beautiful soundtrack, and a gorgeous cast. With no context about the director, this wouldn't be a guilty pleasure of mine. There's a small mystery that haunts the narrative, and I love how subtle it is. The ending is quite satisfying too.
So... is it worth the watch? Totally! Don't shoot me but I think this is what Call me by your name was trying to be, while that's a gorgeous movie, I don't think it's anywhere near Stealing Beauty.
13th March 2026