Carrara marble and Cinema

Carrara marble is often the main character of movies with remarkable productions. This is not surprising, given how famous and popular it is worldwide. The quarries themselves have been the protagonists of several film sets.  In this article, we are going to discover some famous movies in which Carrara marble plays a key role and others in which Carrara quarries are the setting.

Lights, cameras, action…in Carrara

There are numerous movies shot in Carrara starring the quarries and marble. Here a selection of the most famous ones.

007 Quantum of Solace

 In the 22nd chapter of the world most famous 007, James Bond, we can find a breathtaking scene of a chase in the Carrara quarries. In the initial scenes James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, is driving the well-known Aston Martin and he is chased by agents of the Criminal Organization Quantum.  After capturing Mr. White in “Casino Royale”, the movie begins with Bond in a dangerous escape also through the Carrara marble quarries.

Nobody’s Children (Figli di Nessuno)

The 1951 movie with Amedeo Nazzari, set in Carrara, is an intense drama that tells the story of an engineer in love with Luisa, a married woman.  Their relationship, hidden and passionate, is hindered by the rigid social norms and by Luisa’s husband. The movie is marked by dramatic implications and a series of tragic events. The external scenes were shot almost entirely in Carrara while the indoors scenes were shot in Rome in the Titanus studios.

Movies about Michelangelo

Two movies have recently been shot about Michelangelo: Sin and Michelangelo Infinito.  These movies go through the life of the great Florentine artist from different angles. In Sin they re-trace the artist’s struggles due to the rivalries between Della Rovere and Medici. In the cast, the non-protagonist actors are all from Carrara and it is a peculiarity, as well as the scenes shot in the historic centre and this strongly identifies the movie with the history of the city.  Michelangelo Infinito tells the story of the artist, showing his artistic evolution and the creation of majestic works such as the Sistine Chapel and the David.  The movie gives a deep glance at Michelangelo’s challenges, influences and genius, exploring his life and his impact on Renaissance art.

Carrara marble in movies.

Marble is present in many other movies not as an absolute protagonist but as part of the narration.  The marble is widespread both in the furniture as well as in the locations that host the scenes of the movies. This is not product placement but a choice of scenography and direction that enhances the characteristics of marble as a material of great value, luxury and quality.  For this reason, although there is still no exhaustive list of movies in which Carrara marble appears, there are dozens and dozens of movies in which you can see Carrara marble in the shots or mentioned.

Copyright: 007 – Quantum of Solace