Religion
Religious imagery is pervasive throughout La Dolce Vita. At the start of the film, director Federico Fellini shows a large and elaborate statue of Jesus, who Marcello is following in a helicopter. Throughout the film, there are less significant instances of religious imagery, but the film ends with very significant religious imagery: that of the Virgin Mary. This religious imagery underscores how Italy was formed and how many in Italy continue to live their life. It is also used to contrast Marcello's life and debauchery with the lives of those who follow religious tenants.
The Trevi Fountain
The striking imagery of Marcello and Sylvia frolicking in the Trevi Fountain are some one of the most important and recognizable in the history of film. This imagery underscores the duplicity of Marcello's life and shows how lustful he is despite having a fiancée at home who loves him tremendously.
Helicopters
The helicopters at the start of the film are very powerful imagery. Helicopters are symbolic of power and oppression and modernity. They underscore the power that Marcello has and shows how life has changed over many years.
Food
As with many Italian films, food plays an important role—and is powerful imagery— in La Dolce Vita. Food, which is displayed prominently throughout the film, is symbolic of the excesses of Italian life and the corruption in Italian society. There is never a shortage of food for people in the film. Very few go hungry and even fewer worry about where food will come from (especially in Marcello's sphere).
