Giovanni Tortorici on Working With Monica Bellucci

Giovanni Tortorici's Latest Project

Giovanni Tortorici, an emerging Italian director, has been making waves in the film industry with his unique storytelling style. His feature debut, 'Diciannove', was well-received at the Venice Horizons section last year. Now, he's back with his follow-up film, 'Ketticè', which is currently competing at the Locarno Film Festival.

The Story Behind 'Ketticè'

'Ketticè' is a coming-of-age drama set in 2012 Palermo, featuring Monica Bellucci as an eccentric aristocratic matron. The film explores the dynamics between the characters, delving into themes of identity, class, and social status. Tortorici's vision for the film is to create a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience for the audience.

According to Tortorici, working with Monica Bellucci was an incredible experience. He praised her professionalism and dedication to her craft, stating that she brought a level of depth and nuance to her character that was inspiring to watch. The director also appreciated her willingness to take risks and experiment with her role, which added to the film's overall complexity.

Monica Bellucci's Role in 'Ketticè'

Monica Bellucci's character in 'Ketticè' is that of an eccentric aristocratic matron, who is one of the few professional actors in the film. Her presence in the movie adds a level of sophistication and elegance, which complements the story's themes and setting. Tortorici's decision to cast Bellucci in this role was a deliberate choice, as he wanted to create a sense of contrast between her character and the rest of the cast.

As Tortorici explained in an interview with IndieWire, 'I wanted to create a sense of tension and intrigue, and Monica's character was the perfect way to achieve that.' He also praised the rest of the cast, who were mostly non-professional actors, for their raw talent and energy.

The Film's Themes and Style

'Ketticè' is a film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the social dynamics of a specific time and place. The story is set in 2012 Palermo, which provides a unique backdrop for the characters' experiences. Tortorici's use of location and setting adds to the film's overall atmosphere, creating a sense of immersion and authenticity.

The film's themes of identity, class, and social status are timely and thought-provoking, and are sure to resonate with audiences. As Variety noted, 'Ketticè' is a film that 'explores the complexities of human relationships with sensitivity and nuance.'

Tortorici's style is characterized by his use of long takes, natural lighting, and a focus on character development. His approach to storytelling is intuitive and observational, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the world of the film. As The Hollywood Reporter observed, 'Tortorici's direction is confident and assured, and his use of location is inspired.'