Un Altro Ferragosto – Italian cineclub

Italian Cineclub

Samen met L’Istituto Italiano di Cultura en de Italian Cineclub presenteren we recente Italiaanse cinema.

Flavio Aulino on the movie he selected for this month: 

Virzì’s magic touch crafts a classic Italian comedy

Paolo Virzì’s second film, ‘Ferie d’Agosto – August vacation,’ achieved great success almost thirty years ago. The movie portrayed Italy ruthlessly, ironically, and cynically, featuring an all-star cast. It followed two very different families on vacation in Ventotene, in two neighboring villas. One family comprised alternative, radical chic intellectuals from Milan, while the other consisted of new riches from Rome, who were crass and rowdy. Conflict between the two families led to comically grotesque outcomes.

Virzì has made a sequel to his film, with the same actors and a few new additions to embellish the result (Christian De Sica is especially spectacular). The film explores what happened to the characters from the original story and what they have become. Once again, we see Italy depicted on screen and how it has changed in the last 30 years. We also realize how the old and new generations have decayed even more.

Virzì’s approach to filmmaking is a refreshing departure from many contemporary directors. Rather than churning out films annually, he takes his time, devoting significant attention to writing. This unique approach is evident in choral films like this one, which the audience greatly appreciates. With his tragicomic and cleverly mocking gaze, Virzì revives the greatness of Italian-style comedy, a testament to his directorial prowess.