Faenza and the topicality of the 19th century
Coming off of some controversy for not having been included in the RomeFilmFest line-up, I vicerè [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (“The Viceroys”) by Roberto Faenza is the first screen adaptation of Federico De Roberto’s novel.
Set in 19th century Sicily, between the end of the Bourbonist kingdom and the first years of the Unity of Italy, this underrated literary classic holds many similarities with today’s times – over a century after its publication.
It was the story’s topicality that convinced the director to repeat his experience (for the second time in Sicily, after Marianna Ucrìa) of making a period film. “It is a prophetic novel,” said Faenza, “that was censured for a long time because it lashes out against our country’s most untouchable institutions, then as today: the state, the church and the family”.
The family in question are the noble Uzedas of Catania, headed by the authoritarian Prince Giacomo (Lando Buzzanca). In a turn far from the comical roles that have made him popular, the actor said that playing the “greedy and superstitious character was a challenge”.
He is flanked by Alessandro Preziosi, who plays Consalvo, the rebel son who climbs his way into a political career; and Cristiana Capotondi as Teresa, the daughter forced by the family into an arranged marriage of interest.
The cast, a mix of known and unknown actors, that bring to life the vivid (and sometimes grotesque) characters from the pages of De Roberto also includes Lucia Bosè, Franco Branciaroli, Guido Caprino and Pino Calabrese.
I vicerè received funding from both RAI Cinema and television branch RAI Fiction. “It was a very costly project,” said Faenza, “so we turned to both divisions of public television, suggesting a dual project: a film, conceived and shot for cinemas, and a two-part television version that won’t simply be a longer cut, but a completely different film, shot with different cameras and lenses. It may not even be called I vicerè”.
Produced by Elda Ferri for Jean Vigo Italia, in collaboration with the Institut del Cinema Català, VIP Medienfonds 2, in association with Rising Star and with support from the MEDIA Programme, I vicerè will be released in Italy on November 9, on over 120 screens, by 01 Distribution.
(Translated from Italian)
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