As a connoisseur of films that delve deep into the human psyche and offer a raw, unfiltered portrayal of life, I found Giovanni Tortorici’s “Diciannove” to be an absolute gem. This film is not for those who crave a traditional narrative or a clear-cut plot; instead, it offers a refreshingly honest glimpse into the life of a young man, Leonardo, who refuses to conform to societal expectations.
A significant milestone in growing up as a college-bound student is trying to establish your unique identity. Will you join the popular crowd, balancing socializing and partying with your future plans? Alternatively, will you dedicate yourself to academics, striving for academic excellence? Or perhaps, you’ll choose neither of these paths, carving out a unique journey all your own, wherever it may take you.
As a gamer, I immersed myself in Giovanni Tortorici’s debut film, “Diciannove.” From the start, it was apparent that the shy yet handsome Sicilian student, Leonardo, portrayed by Manfredi Marini, is not your typical college kid. This movie, with its scarcity of plot, follows the solitary journey of a student who shuns social interaction, defies academic expectations, and avoids romantic entanglements – things you’d usually find in a film about campus life. It seems this movie, as much as Leonardo, stands alone.
Stepping into the limelight at Venice’s Orizzonti section, “Diciannove” (or “Nineteen”) is a film that I have the pleasure of being associated with, as it was produced by Luca Guadagnino, whom I had the privilege to work alongside on numerous projects in the past. The support of “Challengers” director, who graced the Lido for the premiere of “Queer”, will undoubtedly elevate the global recognition of this deeply personal and introspective coming-of-age story. Despite its flaws, it leaves a lasting impact that resonates strongly within me.
Accompanying Leonardo almost continuously for close to two hours, Tortorici follows the quiet, articulate university student from his hometown Palermo to London, then Siena and ultimately Turin. The student seemed restless, moving from one city to another, apparently in pursuit of an undefined goal.
It’s not explicitly stated, but Leonardo seems to be in a phase of self-discovery, much like many people his age. He appears to be experiencing different stages of being and becoming, with sudden shifts from intense passion for one interest to abandoning it in the next moment. His life is chaotic, reflected in the disarray of both his personal life and whatever space he happens to occupy at the time. He then seems to make a half-hearted effort to tidy up these messes haphazardly.
19-year-old life is frankly portrayed in all its confusion and disorientation by the movie, Diciannove. Tortorici’s determination to authentically convey this state while steering clear of conventional storylines is what makes his film both intriguing yet somewhat difficult to fully grasp.
Initially, the seeds of a potential story lie in Leonardo’s life, hinting at intrigue. The narrative begins with him experiencing a concerning nosebleed in Palermo. Could this be an indication of a grave illness that will later be diagnosed? However, Tortorici swiftly dismisses this plotline once Leonardo arrives in London, where he intends to reside with his sister, Arianna (Vittoria Planeta), and further his education at business school. Instead, he indulges in nightlife, overindulges in alcohol, neglects Arianna’s kitchen cleanliness, abandons the idea of attending business school altogether, and instead declares his passion for Italian literature as his true pursuit. Specifically, he is captivated by authors like Daniello Bartoli from the 17th century.
All of a sudden, Leonardo finds himself in the charming Italian city of Siena, attending what’s reputed to be Italy’s top literary studies program. However, it doesn’t take long for him to push away his roommates, classmates, and teachers, who he frequently criticizes – both openly and secretly by scribbling comments during lectures. Instead of enjoying the city’s beauty, he spends a significant amount of time in his humble room, engrossed in books that aren’t even on his assigned reading list, lost in social media, and preparing vegetarian meals with his hotplate.
It’s challenging to understand Leonardo’s desires, as it appears he himself isn’t clear about them. He seeks answers by immersing himself in all books written by or about Bartoli, abandoning his classes at times. In terms of social interaction, he creates a profile on a dating app and browses through potential matches from men. It seems Leonardo is gay, although Tortorici remains vague about this aspect of his personality. Moreover, he becomes intrigued by a 15-year-old boy he begins to follow online, without causing any harm, but in an obsessive manner.
The movie, devoid of any discernible plot, may deter viewers seeking a clear narrative or structure in Leonardo’s life, yet this very lack contributes to the raw authenticity that sets Diciannove apart from many films depicting youth culture today. In certain aspects, Tortorici continues the legacy of Italian art cinema, echoing works like Fellini’s I Vitelloni and Pasolini’s Accattone, which portray disillusioned youth from a lost generation. However, Leonardo appears to be unrelated to any other social group; he seems to exist solely within his own sphere.
In simpler terms, Tortorici experiments with various filmmaking techniques and employs a variety of them. Some parts carry a ’60s New Wave feel, like when Leonardo strolls around Siena accompanied by baroque music on the soundtrack while the camera zooms in and out of different locations. Additionally, there are other styles used, particularly in club scenes with techno or Italian hip-hop beats reminiscent of ‘Euphoria’.
As I, the gamer, delve into my virtual world, my antihero, Tortorici, mirrors my own quest for something elusive. And just when I thought Leonardo had returned to his roots in Palermo for a summer break, it seems he might have stumbled upon what he’s been seeking all along. Surrounded by companions, we see him dancing, laughing, and radiating joy – a happiness that has long been absent from his demeanor. But the very next moment, there he is, once more stepping into another city, treading down yet another moonlit street, heading towards a destination that my trusted guide, Diciannove, never reveals.
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2024-08-30 15:25