As a seasoned gamer with a deep appreciation for cinema, especially Italian neorealism and the works of Federico Fellini, I can wholeheartedly say that “Ciao Marcello, Mastroianni l’antidivo” is a documentary not to be missed. Fabrizio Corallo has masterfully crafted an intimate portrait of one of the greatest actors Italy has ever produced – Marcello Mastroianni.
Fabrizio Corallo, director of the upcoming documentary “Ciao Marcello, Mastroianni l’antidivo“, notes that Marcello Mastroianni was globally recognized as “the Latin lover” and “the Italian seducer”, particularly following his role in “La Dolce Vita” by Federico Fellini. However, Mastroianni himself disliked this depiction. He didn’t aspire to be a symbol or an icon of sex appeal. Instead, he was more concerned about his personal life. Thus, Corallo aimed to create an intimate and unique portrait of the actor in his documentary.
Corallo is both a journalist and a connoisseur of the history of Italian filmmaking. For Italy’s national broadcasting service, Rai, he has created several documentaries focusing on influential figures in Italian cinema, such as Dino Risi, Vittorio Gassman, Virna Lisi, Ennio Flaiano, and Giuliano Montaldo, to name a few.
Hello Marcello, a movie written alongside Silvia Scola (daughter of renowned Italian filmmaker Ettore Scola who directed Mastroianni in the 1977 film “A Special Day”) recently premiered at the Rome Film Fest and will be broadcast on Rai TV this Sunday, October 27. In the U.S., you can watch it on MUBI. This movie is being released a century after the actor’s birth; he was born on September 28, 1924 and passed away on December 19, 1996.
The movie, crafted by Massimo Vigliar and Adriano De Micheli for Surf Film, Dean Film, and Cinecittà Spa, delves profoundly into the life and artistic journey of Mastroianni. It leverages numerous audio and video interviews with actors, screenwriters, and film directors who collaborated with him. Additionally, it features a heartwarming interview with the actor’s mother, Ida Rolle. As Corallo narrates, “We uncover a renowned actor who, in the zenith of his career, cherished above all else his mother’s homemade meatballs.
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that this documentary has been specifically crafted for those who are yet to discover the magic of Mastroianni. Born in 1924 and leaving us in 1996 at the age of 72, Mastroianni graced the silver screen with his presence in a remarkable 150 films. His talent was universally recognized, earning him accolades such as a Golden Globe, two best actor awards from the Venice and Cannes festivals, and three Academy Award nominations. Through his artistic partnership with Federico Fellini, he became an icon, often embodying Fellini’s creative spirit. Together with Sophia Loren, he starred in eight unforgettable films. However, as time passes, his name risks fading from the memories of the younger generations. It is with this concern that we have brought this film to life.
What I admire most about him is his straightforward lifestyle and demeanor – his honesty and humility shine through. He presents himself effortlessly to others. His subtle acting style is a rarity. Moreover, he approaches life with a disillusioned perspective, but without being cynical,” Corallo explains.
In the title of his documentary, “Goodbye Marcello, Mastroianni the Anti-Diva,” Corallo explains that it represents an image of Mastroianni in the media that he found annoying. According to Corallo, Mastroianni detested being labeled as a “Latin lover” by the press. He was not fond of being a movie star at all and instead preferred his real-life experiences over the glamorous facade of Hollywood.
Corallo chose not to delve extensively into the gossip surrounding Mastroianni’s personal life. As he explains, “Mastroianni had complex romantic relationships, significant ones with Faye Dunaway and Catherine Deneuve among others. However, we aimed to present these tales in a more casual manner.” Corallo further added, “We allowed Mastroianni himself to speak about his experiences, and those who worked with him to discuss their time with him.
Among the findings Corallo uncovered were interviews with Mastroianni conducted in languages other than Italian, revealing a more laid-back and jovial aspect of the actor. As he put it, “Mastroianni was freer when interviewed in other tongues. For example, we found an extensive Spanish TV interview, as well as one from The Dick Cavett Show in 1977, where he and Sophia Loren were guests for an hour. They shared a mutual understanding, their conversation was witty, amusing, casual, genuine. We selected just a minute from that interview, but it proved to be a treasure trove.
Corallo linked the interviews and archival footage by inserting brief, dramatic reenactment scenes featuring actors Luca Argentero and Barbara Venturato. In these fictional segments, we picture a novice editor, Barbara Venturato, working on a documentary about Mastroianni, without knowing much about him. Therefore, Luca Argentero, who is widely recognized by Italian audiences, educates his young friend about the true greatness of this cinematic titan.
The director comments, “We’ve strived to craft a personal, revealing portrayal of Mastroianni. I truly hope our efforts have borne fruit.
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2024-10-21 23:55