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Showing posts from December, 2020

30 Seconds of a Mega Movie-Watching Pandemic Year

I posted my first reel on Instagram today- 30 seconds of a few of my favorite films from this epic movie-watching pandemic year. The song I chose is Auld Lang Syne by Ingrid Michaelson because I felt the nostalgia of the song and images went together so well.  We lost three of these great artists in 2020. Rest in Peace…  Lucia Bosè 1931-2020, Flavio Bucci 1947-2020, Franca Valeri 1920-2020 and Ennio Morricone, 1928-2020, as I edited in the spirit of the final scene from Cinema Paradiso. Happy New Year, my friends. Buon Anno.. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2021.  Here are the films in order.. At the Edge of the City, Carlo Lizzani & Massimo Mida, 1952  The Goddess of Fortune, Ferzan Ozpetek, 2019 Roma 11:00, Giuseppe De Santis, 1952  Martin Eden, Pietro Marcello, 2019 Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, Francesco Bruni, 2020 Il Generale delle Rovere, Roberto Rossellini, 1959 Citizens of the World, Gianni Di Gregorio, 2019 The Moralist, Giorgio Bianchi, 1959  The Marquis of Grillo,

Francesco Bruni's Heart-Wrenching Story of Strength in the Face of Uncertainty

Today is the last day of Cinema Italian Style’s virtual film festival. Having already seen several of the films in other virtual festivals this year, there were just four left to see. I had a feeling that Francesco Bruni’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” was going to be heavy on the emotions, so I kept putting it off. Then today I watched it and wow, what a masterpiece.  Bruni’s writing and direction brought to life this heart-wrenching story of a guy in his mid-40s diagnosed with leukemia and his journey with treatment. When you cry during the first five minutes of a film, you know you’re going to be emotionally invested. But I also laughed as much as I cried, thanks to Bruni’s sense of humor and sharp writing skills. The film’s perfect casting drove the story home. Kim Rossi Stuart in the lead role was at times unrecognizable as his character, Bruno, was undergoing treatment. He’s one of contemporary Italian cinema’s treasures. I remember seeing him in the Taviani Brothers’ 2015 “Won

The Story Behind the Film

The Criterion Channel is not only a great resource for streaming classic films but also offers in-depth essays written by cinema scholars. The essays offer analysis of classic films, examining their political and social themes as well as the relationships between iconic directors and their protagonists. Criterion recently released a restored version of Francesco Rosi's 1979 film "Christ Stopped at Eboli" and marked the occasion with a compelling essay by about author Carlo Levi and the film’s political themes. Other interesting essays include “Fellini Satyricon: Not Just Friends,” “L’eclisse: Antonioni and Vitti” and “Seeing Clearly Through Tears: On the Smart Sentiment of Umberto D.” just to name a few.  In one recent essay, "Primary Sources," filmmaker Michael Almereyda sheds light on Federico Fellini's 1948 collaboration with Roberto Rossellini, "The Miracle." Fellini stars in the short along with Anna Magnani. Almereyda writes, "Among

Celebrate Nino Frassica's 70th Birthday by Streaming His Films

Sicilian-born actor Antonino "Nino" Frassica turns 70 today. Since so many of his works are available stateside through Amazon, why not celebrate by streaming his films and television shows? Below are direct links to them.  I met him briefly last year at the Rome premiere of his film, "Tutti i colori," directed by Max Nardari. I remember that there was a mob outside the theater doors ready to greet him and he was so gracious with everyone, taking the time to pose for pictures.  He is perhaps best known for the television series "Don Matteo," which unfortunately is not available in the United States. However, the series version of Pif's "The Mafia Only Kills in the Summer" is available to stream with subtitles on MHz through Amazon. Click here for more information.  Enjoy this diverse collection of his films. Happy Birthday Nino!