Silvio Muccino's "Le leggi del desiderio" in Italian Theaters Today

“We were writing a romantic comedy, but I missed the link with the present. I found it thanks to the Internet: that’s where I found the American life coach Anthony Robbins’ videos. He was someone who had never been portrayed in our cinema. But where does the mask end and the man begin?” This is what Silvio Muccino wonders in his new movie Le leggi del desiderio (lit. The Law of Desire), written (with Carla Vangelista), directed by and starring him as the motivational trainer Giovanni Canton, alongside Nicole Grimaudo, Carla Signoris and Maurizio Mattioli (read the news). Muccino jr’s third movie as a director (another upcoming release is the new movie by his brother Gabriele, Fathers and Daughters) starts in fact as an exploration of a modern trend (“The life coach tells you how to dress, what to eat, what to buy. In times of crisis, people need someone to show them the way. They used to be called Shamans, today their realm is the internet”) and evolves like a classic romantic comedy, complete with “ugly ducklings” becoming swans and salvation from a cynical life through love, because “behind every superhero mask, emotions are what really count”.

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A Conversation with Sergio Castellitto

Sergio Castellitto has made a profound impact on world cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. Born in Rome in 1953, Castellitto graduated from film school in 1978 and credits American cinema with pushing him toward a career in acting. His work has garnered numerous accolades, largely due to his immersive, original approach to projects in film, television and theatre. Castellitto is fluent in French and English, which has contributed mightily to his international stardom. But it's the actor's trademark brown eyes and charming everyman qualities that have lent his various characters -- even the ones that are rough around the edges -- an air of dignity that other actors might not have achieved. Sergio Castellitto and Margaret Mazzantini, 2005 Films such as "Paura e Amore," "L'uomo delle stelle," "Caterina va in città," and "Bella Martha" heralded Castellitto as a versatile artist with far-reaching abilities. But it ...

Interview: Cristina Scabbia of Italian Heavy Metal Band- Lacuna Coil

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A Fellini family portrait “The term became a common word to describe something on the surface you can say is bizarre or strange, but actually is really like a painter working on a film,” said Martin Scorsese when asked to define “Felliniesque,” an adjective inspired by one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. The oldest of three children, Federico Fellini was born in the seaside town of Rimini in 1920. His father was a traveling salesman, so his mother was left to do the bulk of raising the children. One can argue that Fellini was born for his destiny. “You could tell that even as a child, he was different and unique. He was very intelligent, well above average. He was always the one to organize things, direct the others, make up games. He could control the other kids with just a look, said Fellini’s sister, Maddalena, in an interview with journalist Gideon Bachmann. Not only was Fellini directing the children, but he was also putting on shows and charging ...

Ettore Scola explores enduring friendships and lost ideals in 'C’eravamo tanto amati'

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The Life and Work of Monica Bellucci

Monica Bellucci as Malèna Born in Umbria in 1964, Monica Bellucci is one of the most recognizable faces of international cinema. But she didn't always have her sights set on the spotlight. She went to college to study law and modeled to pay her tuition. Her success in the fashion world coupled with the offers that were pouring in to appear on the big screen eventually took over, changing her fate. Bellucci made her on-screen debut in the 1990 television movie, " Vita coi figli." Just two years later, she scored her first American role in Francis Ford Coppola's "Dracula." In addition to her native language, she speaks fluent English and French, which has made for a smooth transition from Italian to international cinema. Stateside, she has acted in blockbusters such as "The Matrix-Reloaded," " The Passion of the Christ" and " The Sorcerer's Apprentice." She has also appeared in several French films, a...

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