In the world of cinema where fame is fleeting, certain icons are able to steal scenes and reach legendary status. Few have accomplished this as effortlessly as Riva boats. Nicknamed the "Ferrari of the sea," these mahogany masterpieces, especially the Aquarama, have appeared in over 39 films spanning 6 decades of cinema.
They represent everything timeless, luxurious, and "la dolce vita." Instantly recognizable and elevating any actor paired alongside one in scenes of glamour, intrigue, romance and escape.
One of Riva's earliest film appearances is in the 1954 Italian film “Mambo”, directed by Robert Rossen. It pictures a scene of actress Silvana Mangano riding a Riva Ariston through Venice's canals in this romantic melodrama. It's one of the first times a Riva showcased its star power, perfectly capturing that 1950’s glamour and the Italian Lifestyle.
Jean-Luc Godard's 1963 French New Wave classic Le Mépris (Contempt) gave Riva the spotlight alongside the starlet Brigitte Bardot. Set against Capri's dramatic cliffs and Casa Malaparte, the film explores themes of isolation and relationship disconnect with the Riva as its symbol. The film is perhaps most memorable for gifting us with legendary scenes of Bardot lounging aboard the Riva in all her glory.
The 60s was a prolific time in Rivas' film career. In the 1967 film “Deadlier Than the Male”, glamorous assassins cruised the Italian coast in full technicolor aboard a RivaTritone and a Riva Florida. “Manon 70”, the 1968 film starring Catherine Deneuve embodied desire and the jet-set lifestyle, with a Riva enhancing the film's Riviera setting.
James Bond soon caught wind of the glamour and prestige of the Riva. “For Your Eyes Only” (1981) captivated audiences with scenes of a classic Aquarama racing through Greek waters. Then in “GoldenEye” (1995), Pierce Brosnan as agent 007 pilots a Aquarama Special out of Monaco's harbor toward the villain's superyacht. The Riva also made appearances in “Casino Royal”, chartered this time by Daniel Craig.
One of Riva's earliest film appearances is in the 1954 Italian film “Mambo”, directed by Robert Rossen. It pictures a scene of actress Silvana Mangano riding a Riva Ariston through Venice's canals in this romantic melodrama. It's one of the first times a Riva showcased its star power, perfectly capturing that 1950’s glamour and the Italian Lifestyle.
George Clooney allegedly fell in love with the Riva during the filming of the 2004 classic, “Ocean's Twelve.” For Vincent Cassel's scene, he commanded an Aquarama Special on Lake Como. Director Steven Soderbergh insisted that a real vintage one be used and it impressed Clooney so much he purchased his very own Aquariva soon after.
In more recent cinema, the opening sequence to the 2010 film “Killers” starring Ashton Kutcher, pictures an assassin sneaking around Nice aboard a Riva. Chris Hemsworth cruises stylishly in an Aquariva for “Men in Black: International.” John David Washington approaches a massive superyacht off the Amalfi Coast in a Riva 33 Aquariva Super in Christopher Nolan's mind-bending 2020 film “Tenet.”
From arthouse cinema and Italian classics to Hollywood blockbusters and 007 intrigue, Riva boats have truly been immortalized on the silver screen. Without needing to ever say a line, they glided in and captivated the hearts and imaginations of cinephiles worldwide. Get in touch to find out more about these iconic vessels.