New Italian Cinema

[Dylan]

So, is there a concrete reason why a lot of films aren't being made in Italy these days (and why most seem to be TV movies)? What happened? Or are they just not being distributed?

Giuseppe Tornatore was the last Italian filmmaker to really get recognition, but he's really taken a backseat, not following the advice that Fellini gave him (which was that one should never have more than a year or two in between films). I love "Malena," I love Tornatore, but I've given up hope on a new film from him. Maybe he'll become a Kubrick and turn in a film every ten years from now on?

With the exception of "I'm Not Scared" (which had an amazing opening and gorgeous photography/music, but was just okay overall) and "Best of Youth" (which I haven't seen byt everybody seems pretty split on, with the consensus not liking it), what are some of the better Italian films from 2003-present?

Here's a 2005 film from Gabrielle Salvatores (I'm Not Scared) called "Quo Vadis, Baby?" It sounds pretty good, and I'd love to see it; Salvatores seems to be a very gifted visualist, and I'm always up for an Italian mystery as well. Any others?

[mmacklem]

I would disagree about Tornatore being the last Italian filmmaker to get recognition, and specifically bring up Gianni Amelio. Between Open Doors and Il Ladro di Bambini, to more recent ones like Lamerica, The Way We Laughed, and Keys To the House, he has consistently released incredible work and been recognized for it, having won a number of European Film Awards.

Also, love him or hate him, Nanii Moretti has also gotten recent attention, at least for The Son's Room.

My two main recommendations for Amelio would be The Way We Laughed and Lamerica, the latter of which I think is his best.

[Dylan]

I have heard of Gianni Amelio and his films, though I haven't seen any of them yet. Which ones would you recommend?

And yes, Nanni Moretti has certainly gotten attention (he won at Cannes I believe). "The Son's Room" was okay, if a tad too much like "Ordinary People." It had good acting and a lovely Piovani score.

But it seems that the huge success of "Cinema Paradiso" really opened the doors for Tornatore, allowing him for many years to do whatever he wanted, all the way into a big budget Internationally cast film like "Legend of 1900" (the US release of this is terribly butchered...see the European cut, which is a masterpiece). But after "Malena," which certainly wasn't a flop (and was nominated for two Oscars), he disappeared. Apparently he's been doing photography, and had a gallery somewhere for a while (I can't find anything online about this at the moment). He's apparently preparing "Leningrad," which has been off and on for three years (with Nicole Kidman attatched).

I'd like to read a new interview with him about what he's been up to.

Dylan

[Michael]

What about Under the Tuscan Sun!

Just kidding. Is Gabriele Muccino worth checking out?

[Dylan]

I wouldn't write off Tornatore just yet as his latest film, La sconosciuta, is in postproduction and is expected to premiere at Venice.

Well, I wouldn't have given up hope had I known about this. This is wonderful news, I had no clue he had a new film in production, much less post-production! I can't wait.

[Antoine Doinel]

I just want to know when Begnini's The Tiger And The Snow is going to get a North American release.

[Dylan]

Another I had no idea was in production yet, much less completed, much less already released in Italy.

I haven't seen any of Roberto's films (other than his role in "Down by Law," which was a wonderful film), but I'm curious about this one.

[Antoine Doinel]

Begnini's work is pretty darn good. Down By Law (which he is great in) doesn't showcase is wonderful flair for physical comedy. Check out Johnny Stecchino and of course, Life Is Beautiful.

[ben d banana]

Begnini's work is pretty darn good. Down By Law (which he is great in) doesn't showcase is wonderful flair for physical comedy. Check out Johnny Stecchino and of course, Life Is Beautiful.

Salo is hugely overrated. I managed to see it at a rep screening a few years ago and aside from the grossout factor, I didn't see what the fuss all about.

Ugh, Begnini is the real torture artist.

[kieslowski_67]

My two main recommendations for Amelio would be The Way We Laughed and Lamerica, the latter of which I think is his best.

Add "Stolen Children", with a terrific lead performance from its young child actress.

Amelio certainly got lots of recognition in Europe. 3 top prizes at the Felix say a lot about the quality of his work.

[rohmerin]

The lead performance from the young actress in Il Ladro di Bambini is truly remarkable, but I didn't find that the movie itself was up to the same quality, certainly not when compared to Lamerica and The Way We Laughed, at least, which is why I grouped them together that way. Just my opinion, though.

I've imported from UK or US several Italian films because it's a shame that here in Spain we can't see them. My recomendations:

The consequences of love, Sorrentino, La bestia nel cuore (Don't tell), Cristina Comencini. (I didn't like the best day of my life), and Muccino's films, he's my favourite, and i Love, love, LOVE the last kiss and Ricordati di me. I'm a foreinger and I can not explain how and what I feel with these 2 Muccino's films. But I'm not the only one, I lent them to my friends, and they felt in love too with them. Giordana's I cento passi is almost a masterpiece. of course that Best of youth is better.

I haven't seen yet Tigger and snow but dvd will arrive soon here. the Amelio's I prefer is Lamerica; the Bellocchio's I prefer is the 1st one, pugni in tasca; the Tornatore's I would like to own on DVD is the uncut Malena. Is Starmaker, another MIramax cut version? I saw it has gor-miracle- Spanish subtitles, but I don't trust the butchering company.

waiting for mr postman at my place: Luce dei miei occhi, Non ti muovere. also waiting for releases in Spain: Gente di Roma, Caterina va in citta, both released in Cinemas but not on dvd. and I die waiting for C'eravamo tanto amati and Una vita difficile.

[Dylan]

Great that this thread has been revived, this is a discussion I'd like to get going again. I've heard some very good things about Paolo Sorrentino. Muccino sounds like fun! Has anybody else here seen his films? "The Last Kiss" was recently remade over here with Zach Braff and Rachel Bilson, but I've heard in passing that it basically destroys everything that worked in the Italian version (which is, obviously, what I'm far more interested in seeing).

the Tornatore's I would like to own on DVD is the uncut Malena.

I prefer the Miramax cut of "Malena" (which Tornatore edited himself). In my opinion, everything he cut out was unnecessary pading that slowed the film down to an almost deadly pace (and it's a film I love very much). But there are those who disagree with me. This is discussed in depth on the forum's Tornatore thread.

is Starmaker, another MIramax cutten version???

I love this movie. Absolutely beautiful storytelling and amazing camera work. But I've never felt that the second to last scene rang completely true...we really need to know more about the woman for it to make perfect sense, and I've always thought of the possibility that there was a scene cut from the Miramax version that illuminated this, but if this is true I don't know about it. But this is a small complaint...it's a great film.

Has anybody seen: Luce dei miei occhi, Non ti muovere, Gente di Roma, Caterina va in citta, C'eravamo tanto amati, Denti (which sounds very odd!), and Una vita difficile?

[rohmerin]

I deny to go to see The last kiss US remake. I think it's not going to be released in cinemas in Spain. I've got the uncut Malena version but not in dvd. I have to watch it one day of these. One of you have written about OLMI's cantando dietro in paraventi, oops, I own it since 2 years ago. Next week, I watch it, I promise.

if you can find a taped print, as I did, of C'eravamo tanto amati, the Scola's masterpiece from 70's and Una vita difficile, Dino Risi's BEAUTIFUL masterpiece from 1961 (that it's pretty similar but better) and if you share them with friends, wives or mothers, ellas estarán muy agradecidas después, vamos, eso creo yo. I am a huge, lonely, incomprendido, fan of Italian film. I'm happy when I find out that there are more people tha like

[Dylan]

Vittorio Storaro just shot a film for Italian television about Caravaggio, directed by Angelo Longoni. It will air next year. I'll probably never have a chance to see it, but I bet it's gorgeous.

[rohmerin]

Vittorio Storaro just shot a film for Italian television about Caravaggio, directed by Angelo Longoni. It will air next year. I'll probably never have a chance to see it, but I bet it's gorgeous.

I prefer to say this un translated: nunca subestimes a los corsarios del país de la bota donde la piratería está al orden del día, y si no, echa un vistazo por la red. Lo cuelgan todo.

By the way, from the 56 pre nominated foreing films to the Golden Globes, this year, Italia has 6 films pre nominated.

Along the Ridge' (Anche libero va bene) (Italia)
Family Friend' (Italia) SORRENTINOThe Golden Door' (Nuovomondo) (Italia) CRIALESE
Il Caimano' (Italia) MORETTI
Mario's War' (La guerra di Mario) (Italia)
The Missing Star' (La stella che non c'e) (Italia) AMELIO

[Cinesimilitude]

The Italian Last Kiss is excellent for what it aims to be, which is to me, a wake-up call. It's more about the realities these 4 young men must face than the Idea of regaining youthful passion, which is what I hoped it to be. I haven't seen the remake, although I intend to as I'm a hughe Zach braff fan. There have been a few Noshame releases of recent italian tv movies by Michele Soavi such as Uno Bianca, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, on te topic of Malena, the miramax cut is definitely a better paced, overall film, but I own both, cause I couldn't say no to ten more minutes of Bellucci wearing little to nothing at all. Italy is definitely my favorite country (films, women, food, way of life, It's all top notch) but I haven't been overwhelmingly impressed with anything to come out of it this millenium. I own "The Best of Youth" but I'm saving it for a time when I'll be able to watch it in its entirety. Another of Noshame's releases, St. Francis, a made for tv version of the tale was drawn out and not nearly as good as Rossellini's, but worth seeing if you get the chance.

I also must recommend Daniele Luchetti's Ginger and Cinnamon, It is available from FilmMovement in the US, and The Festival Collection in Canada, and is an excellent little romantic comedy.

[Dylan]

Amidst a mélange of sun rash, broken diets, nervous girls, sleeping bags, orgasms, 80's music, and a little ginger and cinnamon, the two women discover themselves and their sexuality.

I'll add it to my Netflix queue, along with these other modern Italian films about people in their 20s.

I haven't seen the remake, although I intend to as I'm a hughe Zach braff fan.

I like Zach Braff, too. I hear it's pretty different from the original, but that means it will be a different film for you, too, as a Braff fan. I look forward to your reaction.

Italy is definitely my favorite country (films, women, food, way of life, It's all top notch) but I haven't been overwhelmingly impressed with anything to come out of it this millenium.

Yeah, I'm obsessed with Italia, think about it all the time! And obviously, I'm crazy about their movies, too. As for new Italian cinema, these days it's all a matter of distribution and/or discovery. We just have to keep looking, and post our discoveries on this thread.

[Cinesimilitude]

Ginger and Cinnamon is probably not something you'll relate to, but it's an excellent story. I'm inspired to seek out more italian films about 20 somethings as I've just arrived at that point in my life. I'll let you know about my findings...

[rohmerin]

Ginger and Cinnamon is probably not something you'll relate to, but it's an excellent story. I'm inspired to seek out more italian films about 20 somethings as I've just arrived at that point in my life. I'll let you know about my findings...

thank you for talking about it. I didn't know anything about the film, but I've put it on my wish list, and amazon said that there's another new Italian comedy, in breve, prontissimo

Agata e la tempesta.

[Dylan]

Here is a description of "Denti," by Gabrielle Salvatores:

Gabriel Salvatores, the Italian master director who won an Oscar in 1991 for MEDITERRANEO, is back with what is probably his best film. DENTI is a hilarious, ultra-gory and twisted romance/comedy, that is completely unique and visionary. Antonio's complex with his large and deformed teeth has caused him, since childhood, to try to smash them out of his face. They are tougher than granite and uglier than a pit of tar. Now he has grown up and left his wife and kids, but he still can't come to grips with his dental problem. He moves in with a lovely younger woman and in a fight she finally manages to crack his incisors leaving him with normal teeth! Now he expects life to be a walk in the park, but things don't go as well for Antonio as expected as his life becomes an infernal voyage going from one dentist to the next. A dark comedy mixed with romanticism and gore this is certainly Italy's best genre film since DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE.

Sounds bizarre! Has anybody seen it?

Ginger and Cinnamon is probably not something you'll relate to, but it's an excellent story. I'm inspired to seek out more italian films about 20 somethings as I've just arrived at that point in my life. I'll let you know about my findings...

We'll see. When I see it (and the other newer Italian films mentioned here) I'll tell you what I think.

[Michael]

I'm inspired to seek out more italian films about 20 somethings as I've just arrived at that point in my life.

I Vitelloni! Oh wait, are they more like 30 somethings who want to remain 20 somethings?

I understand the frustration of trying to find new Italian films to fall in love with. The zenith of the Italian Cinema has already been achieved. What it needs to do is to reinvent or create a new direction which I don't believe hasn't happen yet.

Better off picking up the Criterion reissue of Amarcord which I did when it came out a couple of months ago. For me, it was like falling in love all over again. It may be more than 30 years old but it still feels new.

[rohmerin]

I've liked a lot Ginger and Cinemanon. Thank's for naming it. Light of My Eyes, I disliked it. Very disappointing film. Weird plot. Excellent actors but... boooring. Don't move by Castellitto is a good hard drama. Very cheap the Spanish dvd.

Romanzo Criminale, steel edition, has arrived today from UK, and those WB estúpidos people have burned subt on image. Anyway, I've seen several minutes, and I think I need it because they talk in slang.

Has anyone seen NUOVOMONDO (The Golden Door) in NYC or another place ??? It opens here (Spain) June 8. Finally, I could get Gente di Roma, by Ettore Scola, and it is A MASTERPIECE. It's the best Scola's film since The Family. It's a sort of NON documentary about Roman people. An absolutely masterpiece.

[Awesome Welles]

Has anybody seen the film Sorrentino made in between The Family Friend and The Conquences of Love? Saturday, Sunday and Monday - it wasn't picked up for distribution in the UK, that I know of.

[Grand Illusion]

Facing Windows (Ferzan Ozpetek, 2003) features amazing performances and takes some unexpected turns. It's about a woman in a struggling marriage who takes in an elderly man, clearly traumatized. She also contemplates an affair with another man whose window faces hers.

It's hard to find a truly great film with this level of intimacy nowadays.

[tavernier]

Facing Windows (Ferzan Ozpetek, 2003) features amazing performances

With the most amazing given by Giovanna Mezzogiorno, who's never hit a false note in any movie I've seen her in (even in The Last Kiss as the screaming bitch of a girlfriend).