Ah, that evening I gave myself a treat – I played the DVD given to me by a friend 5 years ago, and because I had watched the film earlier before that, it stood waiting patiently on the shelf for its magic to be unraveled again in time.
And sure enough the incandescence emanated from the black and white film, a pure classic golden in every way – the stunning backdrop, the dialogue, the simplicity of the story, and the beautiful actors, like the golden finger, pressed into my heart and made it glow.Roman Holiday, is pretty much, about a Roman holiday. A reverse Cinderella story where the protagonist escapes the palace and becomes a commoner for a day until clock strikes; where viewers are shared a delightful day out in the ancient city, complete with the sights and sounds of everyday Rome, and witnessed a series of events that conditioned an unexpected romance. A simple plot line, yet so marvelously scripted and brilliantly executed. It contains just the right ingredients for a good, tight plot with well-developed characters, built-up tensions and conflicts. A princess tired with her diplomatic obligations; a cash-strapped reporter eager to redeem himself with a good story, they meet through chance, the reporter contrives for a breaking news, the princess eager to be free from her royal shackles, wham and bang.....the Roman adventure unfolds.
The attention paid to nuances bestowed charm to the film amidst the simple plot line. The effort paid in devising the scenarios, the actions, provide much amusement and endearing classic moments - Hepburn's careless little wave and her sleepy smile from the back of the truck; Peck's little tango on the staircase with a sleep-induced Hepburn; Peck buying a huge watermelon to appease the vigorous seller while he stalks Hepburn, and carries it throughout like an odd baggage. Love between lovers are usually persistent and possessive, plots are schemed so that audience is gratified with an eventual union. But in Roman Holiday, no union eventuates, yet we are content and maybe heart-wrenched to see Peck forgo his chance on a sensational news to safeguard the dignity of the princess, in the end striding willfully back into his life; and the princess disappearing into the palace walls. Love is self-sacrificial, love is letting go, love is sensible, is subordinate where duties and obligations prevail. With the separation, their memory of their time spent together becomes ever more sacred and precious.
Shot in the 1950s, the richness and grandiosity of Rome are somewhat trapped in black and white, restricted in the technicalities of the heyday. Imagine the film shot in the cinematic sophistication of this day, would it be more dazzling and breathtaking? Perhaps, but the endearing nuances and choreography would have taken a backseat should sweeping visuals soak the screen. I think of the market scene in Sex and the City 2. Carrie Bradshaw moves about in wonder at the scene before her, which is immediately followed by a close-up with the shoe vendor, starkly overlooking the exotic richness, and hustle and bustle of the raucous Middle Eastern market. There are other reasons for this treatment in SATC2 of course, but in Roman Holiday, Hepburn's encounter with the locals lend much depth, charm and authenticity to the film. The vendors vigorously selling their wares, the housekeeper's annoyed outburtst, the amorous barber, the flower vendor who graciously give Hepburn a stalk of rose for her astonishing beauty, vividly showcased the Italians so well-known for their passions.
Any classic film enthusiasts would be familiar to Roman Holiday, or for those who don't, the mere mention of Audrey Hepburn and the timeless image of her in a princess tiara would perhaps make the connection. It is in this film that the gem and the icon of the cinema was unraveled, and ultimately defined the word 'elegance'. One look at Hepburn makes my heart melt. The refinement of her exquisite features marks the epitome of beauty. And Gregory Peck. Oh, Gregory Peck. Not as refined or dashing compared to the likes of screen heartthrobs Clark Gable and Cary Grant; Peck, with his tall and strong built, rugged features, thick eyebrows, deep voice and stalwart presence, radiates a dignified aura paralleled by no one. Peck plays Joe Bradley, the reporter who amidst his apparent shrewdness, hides a conscientious nature, and later sacrifices his duty for his love of the princess. Who would ever forget his remarkable portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird? Peck's performance embodied the ideal of the righteous lawyer, the loving father, the honorable man, enough to make me swoon with his character. The onscreen chemistry displayed by Peck and the then rather unknown Hepburn did not culminate in an off-screen romance, but forged the beginning of a lifelong solid friendship between the two legendary stars, where the two shared their ups and downs of both marriages and the shocking death of Peck's eldest son. I recall one lovely scene where Peck sits on the edge of the bed, greeting the princess who chuckled at such untimely greeting and awkward setting for a regal introduction.
Roman Holiday is natural, tender, and a simple romantic comedy that engages and warms the heart; a tale of a free-spirited princess’ discovery and profound appreciation to love and life’s simple pleasures. It casts a new light to the ordinariness of our everyday lives that we take for granted, and make us appreciate the somewhat mundane coating that beholds pockets of delight, if only we’d open our hearts to discover the simple beauty that surrounds us.
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