Are you planning on visiting Venice soon? To get you started, here are some films, novels, series and movies set in Venice that feature Italy’s culture at the center of their stories. Enjoy!
A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena de Blasi
Have you heard of Marlena de Blasi? This American chef meets a charming stranger in Venice who doesn’t hesitate to declare his love… In a city where anything seems possible. Back in the United States, she makes a life-changing decision to sell her dream house and restaurant and move to Venice, to her lover Fernando’s rather modest apartment. A Thousand Days in Venice tells the story of this passionate and slightly wild adventure, where we discover local customs, flavours and the authentic soul of the Venetians. This touching love story immerses you in an intimate and vibrant Venice, far beyond the tourist clichés.
The Irreducibles of Venice
Finally, immerse yourself in The Irreducibles of Venice, a poignant documentary from the ARTE Regards series. This documentary highlights the residents of Venice who are fighting to preserve their city in the face of the challenges posed by mass tourism and climate change. These “irreducibles” refuse to see their city transformed into a mere amusement park for passing visitors. They are fighting to preserve Venice’s authenticity, its traditions and its unique identity. Through their stories you will discover a resilient and combative Venice, ready to do anything to preserve its soul.
Venice: Cult Recipes by Laura Zavan
Want to taste authentic Venetian cuisine before you leave? Immerse yourself in Venice: Cult Recipes by Laura Zavan. This cookbook is a true culinary journey, inviting you to recreate the region’s iconic dishes at home. How about a squid ink risotto or some cichetti, those little snacks that Venetians love to eat during aperitivo? But that’s not all! Laura Zavan also takes you on gourmet tours of Venice. From gelaterias to trattorias and even bacari (traditional bars), for a complete immersion in the local gastronomic culture.
Casino Royale
It’s impossible to talk about Venice without mentioning Casino Royale! This is the first film in the James Bond saga starring Daniel Craig. Part of the film is set in the majestic city of Venice, where the action scenes are full of the excitement and grandeur that the city has to offer. Between thrilling chases through the canals and battles against historical monuments, Venice becomes the stage for an intense and gripping survival game.
The Tourist
If you prefer romantic stories with a touch of mystery, don’t miss The Tourist. This film stars Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp in a cat-and-mouse game through the alleys and canals of Venice. Between seduction and suspense, this thriller is also a visual love letter to the city. It captures its mysterious and enchanting atmosphere.
Death in Venice
For classic film lovers, Death in Venice by Luchino Visconti is a must. Adapted from Thomas Mann’s novel of the same name, the film immerses us in Belle Époque Venice. Here, aesthetics and decadence intertwine. The film is a poignant meditation on beauty, art and mortality. And with Venice as a sumptuous and melancholy backdrop reflecting the tormented soul of the protagonist.
The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts by Annie Darling
Let yourself be swept away by The Little Bookshop of Broken Hearts, a novel that combines romance and travel. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice, this love story follows its characters through the city’s canals and picturesque alleys. Each page is an invitation to discover Venice from a romantic and introspective point of view, where it is possible to get lost, only to find oneself again.
Commissario Guido Brunetti Mysteries
For a darker and more mysterious immersion into Venetian life, delve into Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti novels. This acclaimed series follows the investigations of the sharp and empathetic detective Guido Brunetti as he navigates the complex and often shadowy world of Venice. Through each case, Leon vividly portrays the city’s many layers. From its stunning architectural beauty to the hidden secrets lurking beneath its surface… The novels offer a rich, atmospheric experience of Venice. It captures its allure and complexity through the eyes of a detective deeply connected to his city.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
The winding streets and mysterious canals of Venice become a deadly playground in Mission: Impossible – The Line Part One. Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, embarks on a high-stakes mission through a city where every nook and cranny could be hiding an enemy. A particularly memorable scene takes place during a thrilling chase through the labyrinthine streets. Venice becomes a character in its own right, adding a layer of mystery and danger to the plot.
Definitely one of the most famous movies set in Venice!
The Merchant of Venice
Immerse yourself in 16th century Venice with The Merchant of Venice, a faithful adaptation of William Shakespeare’s famous play. This film brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the time, where drama, romance and conflict intertwine. The Venice of The Merchant is a place of contrasts, of ostentatious wealth and poverty, of love and hate, providing the perfect backdrop for this timeless story.
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
In the Venice episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Bourdain peels back the layers of this iconic city. He reveals a Venice that few tourists ever get to experience. Eschewing the typical attractions, he dives into the heart of Venetian culture through its food, sharing cicchetti in humble bacari and savoring a rich risotto nero made with cuttlefish ink. Bourdain’s journey is marked by intimate encounters with locals who share their love for their city’s culinary traditions and their concerns about the challenges posed by mass tourism. With his signature blend of curiosity and candor, Bourdain brings to life a Venice that is as gritty as it is beautiful, capturing the spirit of a city struggling to preserve its soul in the face of change.
A Haunting in Venice
For a touch of the supernatural, don’t miss A Haunting in Venice, a thrilling mystery set in the eerie atmosphere of the city. This film, based on Agatha Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party and directed by Kenneth Branagh, follows the famous detective Hercule Poirot as he is drawn into a chilling investigation in Venice. The city’s haunting beauty and shadowy corners become the perfect backdrop for a story filled with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists. A Haunting in Venice adds a new dimension to the city, showcasing its potential for ghostly encounters and spine-tingling mysteries.
Rick Steves: Venice Lagoon
In the Venice Lagoon episode of Rick Steves’ Europe on Prime, Rick Steves explores the tranquil and lesser-known islands that dot the Venetian Lagoon, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry beyond Venice’s tourist hotspots. Steves visits Murano, renowned for its glassblowing artisans, and Burano, famous for its vibrant houses and delicate lace-making traditions. He also ventures to Torcello, an ancient island that once held the heart of the Venetian civilization, where he reflects on its serene, historic charm. Through this journey, Steves reveals how these islands contribute to the unique character and history of Venice, providing a peaceful contrast to the city’s bustling canals.
Ripley
The Ripley series offers a new perspective on Venice, captured in black and white by director Steven Zaillian. This visual approach transforms the City of the Doges into a labyrinth of light and shadow, a point of view perfectly suited to the protagonist’s machinations. Actor Andrew Scott plays a fascinating Tom Ripley, navigating the narrow streets and majestic palaces with an eerie elegance in this twisted love story of the early 1960s. The black and white photography sublimates the Venetian architecture, creating a striking contrast between the beauty of the city and the darkness of Ripley’s intentions.
The Comfort of Strangers
Paul Schrader’s film offers a striking portrait of Venice. Starring Christopher Walken, Rupert Everett, Natasha Richardson and Helen Mirren, the film plunges the viewer into an unsettling atmosphere, where the beauty of the lagoon city contrasts with the palpable tension between an enigmatic Venetian and a British couple on holiday.
