Actor Robert De Niro visited Rome on Monday to present a restored version of Bernardo Bertolucci’s film “Novecento” for its 50th anniversary [1].
The event marks a significant cinematic milestone, returning one of the 20th century's most ambitious epic films to the public in a high-quality restoration. By bringing the film back to the streets of Rome, the celebration emphasizes the enduring connection between international cinema and Italian cultural identity.
De Niro appeared at Piazza San Cosimato in the Trastevere district [2]. The screening was part of the 12th edition of “Il Cinema in Piazza,” a summer series that brings outdoor movie experiences to the city's public squares [3].
During the presentation, De Niro paid tribute to the late director Bernardo Bertolucci. He said the director was "a poet" [4]. He also said that Bertolucci was "very simpatico" [5].
Speaking on the nature of the project, De Niro reflected on the film's intended audience and its lasting impact. He said, "Novecento era un film fatto per la gente" — Novecento was a film made for the people [6].
The restoration project aims to preserve the visual and auditory integrity of the 50-year-old work [1]. The public screening allowed residents and tourists in the Trastevere neighborhood to view the restored footage on a large scale, mirroring the film's own grand scope and historical ambition [2].
De Niro's presence in Rome on July 14 [2] served as the centerpiece for the anniversary festivities. The actor's reflections on the set and his collaboration with Bertolucci provided a personal bridge to the film's production era, highlighting the director's specific vision for the narrative [2].
“"Era un poeta"”
The 50th-anniversary restoration of 'Novecento' and De Niro's public appearance signal a continued effort to preserve the legacy of Bernardo Bertolucci. By screening the film in a public square rather than a traditional theater, the event reinforces the film's thematic focus on the common people and the social history of Italy.
