Italian Cinema Today

A new biopic by Mario Martone that delves into a pivotal period in the life of the late Italian writer and actress Goliarda Sapienza premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May.     "Fuori" recounts Sapienza's brief incarceration at Rome's Rebibbia prison in 1980 for stealing jewelry after falling on hard times. The film speaks to her life following her release from prison, focusing on her friendship with two young women, including Roberta, a habitual criminal and political activist. Through this bond, Sapienza experiences a personal rebirth and resumes writing, which she had abandoned for about five years following the rejection of her 700-page novel.  Valeria Golino stars as Sapienza, with Matilda De Angelis and singer-songwriter Elodie portraying the women she befriends.   Born in 1924 in Sicily, Sapienza is internationally recognized for her novel "L'arte della gioia" ("The Art of Joy"). She played a significant role in the neorealist fi...

Tommaso Ragno in a scene from "Nostalgia" A seasoned character actor, his performances reflect the diversity and intensity of his stage training as well as his knack for comic timing. Born in 1967 in the region of Puglia, Tommaso Ragno grew up in the north of Italy and studied acting at the Paolo Grassi School of Dramatic Arts in Milan. In 1988, he appeared in his first stage production, which was directed by Mario Martone, a filmmaker who would have a huge impact on his work.    Ragno continued perfecting his craft, building a distinguished career as a theater actor for a decade before his gradual transition into film. During those early years, he worked with renowned directors on productions ranging from Shakespeare to Eduardo De Filippo.   Though he built an impressive theater resume, he was destined for success beyond the stage. His first screen role came in 1997 in Davide Ferrario’s “Tutti giù per terra” (All Down to Earth), followed by parts in various television se...

Named by Vogue Italy as the most versatile performer in the history of Italian cinema, Toni Servillo has earned a reputation as a masterful character actor who hauntingly transforms himself into dark, troubled protagonists indifferent to the dubious methods they employ to get what they want. Born in 1958 in Afragola, a town in the province of Naples, Servillo began his acting career on stage during the 1970s, founding Teatro Studio in Caserta and participating in a number of productions in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Influenced by Eduardo De Filippo, he interpreted several of the legendary actor and playwright’s roles and writings.   Servillo made his feature film debut in Mario Martone’s 1992 “Morte di un matematico napoletano” (Death of a Neapolitan Mathematician) and appeared in Martone’s follow-up projects: the 1993 “Rasoi,” the 1997 “I vesuviani” (The Vesuvians) and the 1998 “Teatro di guerra” (Rehearsals for War).   He was tapped by Paolo Sorrentino to play a starring...