“The Great Beauty”: A Life in Search of Meaning

In The Great Beauty, Jep Gambardella, a famous journalist and party-goer in Rome, spends his days surrounded by art, beauty, and indulgence, yet he feels empty inside. His search for true meaning in life leads him to reflect on his past and question the superficiality around him.

One fan theory suggests that the entire film is Jep’s journey toward enlightenment—his quest to find depth beyond the glittering surface of his world. It’s a metaphor for the struggle between external pleasures and inner peace.

A key moment in the film is when Jep visits a former lover and reflects on the life choices he’s made. This is where we see Jep’s deeper sadness, even amidst the excess and luxury. It’s his awakening.

What if Jep had taken a different path earlier? What if he had chosen to live a simpler, quieter life? Would his life have been more fulfilling?

An alternate ending could show Jep leaving behind the high society, deciding to embrace a peaceful, grounded life away from the glamour of Rome. A prequel might delve into Jep’s younger years and how he became the man he is—someone who sought beauty but struggled to find it.