Roberto Curti est un écrivain pour diverses revues italiennes et étrangères, connu pour ses contributions à des publications sur la musique, le cinéma et la littérature. Son œuvre explore en profondeur la riche histoire du cinéma italien, en se concentrant particulièrement sur les genres criminels et noirs. Curti offre une exploration approfondie de ces mouvements cinématographiques, apportant une perspective unique à l'histoire du cinéma.
Italian cinema's history is rich not only with celebrated auteurs but also features a variety of unique and lesser-known filmmakers who have contributed to its diverse landscape. This exploration highlights the significance of these unconventional voices and their impact on the cinematic narrative, offering a broader understanding of Italy's film heritage beyond the mainstream.
The 1980s marked a transformative period for Italian Gothic horror, characterized by the transition from established masters like Mario Bava and Riccardo Freda to emerging talents such as Lamberto Bava and Michele Soavi. This era saw a shift in style and storytelling, as new filmmakers introduced innovative themes and techniques, revitalizing the genre and paving the way for a new wave of horror cinema.
Francesco Bracali, a self-taught culinary master, has transformed his family's humble tavern into the acclaimed two-Michelin-star restaurant Bracali in Tuscany, alongside his brother Luca, a sommelier. Together, they honor and innovate upon the rich gastronomic traditions of their region, showcasing their unique culinary vision that blends heritage with modernity.
The term giallo, originating from a popular 1929 book series, has come to represent a diverse range of Italian mystery and detective fiction, extending beyond the violent and erotic thrillers of the 1960s and 1970s by directors like Mario Bava and Dario Argento. It includes various media forms such as comedies and political pamphlets, showcasing the genre's versatility. Iconic films like Blood and Black Lace and Deep Red have solidified giallo's international reputation, highlighting its evolution and cultural significance over the decades.
Marco Ferreri emerged as a daring figure in Italian cinema, collaborating with renowned actors like Marcello Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. His notable works include provocative films such as La Grande Bouffe and Dillinger Is Dead, which tackled themes like marriage crises, gender dynamics, and consumerism. Ferreri's unique approach often sparked controversy and censorship, cementing his reputation as a master provocateur. His bold storytelling and exploration of societal issues left a lasting impact on the film industry.
Focusing on the remarkable career of Italian director Riccardo Freda, this book delves into his four-decade journey marked by technical skill and visual flair. It highlights notable films like Black Eagle, Les Miserables, and cult classics such as I Vampiri and The Horrible Dr. Hichcock. Initially praised by French critics in the 1960s, Freda's legacy has grown significantly. The text offers in-depth film analyses and exclusive interviews with collaborators and family, providing a comprehensive exploration of his life and contributions to cinema.
Elio Petri's career is marked by his exploration of controversial themes such as the Mafia, police brutality, and workers' struggles, showcasing his commitment to political and social issues. His films, including the science fiction satire and grotesque giallo, reflect a unique blend of irony and genre innovation. This book delves into Petri's life and work, contextualizing his contributions within postwar Italian culture and politics. It offers a detailed production history, critical analysis, and insights from previously unreleased Italian archival materials, along with discussions of his unfilmed projects.
Exploring the impact of Italian comics on culture and morality, this book delves into the phenomenon of "fumetti neri" and their evolution through the decades. It highlights iconic films and TV series inspired by these comics, including adaptations like DANGER: DIABOLIK and the KRIMINAL movies, as well as works featuring superheroes and erotic themes. Additionally, it features an essay on Turkish cinema's connection to Italian comics, complemented by vibrant illustrations of rare stills, lobby cards, and comic panels, showcasing the rich visual history.
The 1970s saw Italian Gothic horror films evolve through the influence of violent giallo movies and adults-only comics, leading to a graphic and boundary-pushing cinematic style. These films often showcased extreme violence and nudity, reflecting the era's audacious storytelling. Notable directors such as Mario Bava, Riccardo Freda, and Antonio Margheriti returned, while new talents like Pupi Avati and Francesco Barilli emerged, contributing to a rich and provocative landscape in horror cinema.
Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace (1964) is commonly considered the archetypal giallo. This book examines its main narrative and stylistic aspects, including the groundbreaking prominence of violence and sadism and its use of color and lighting, as well as Bava's irreverent approach to genre and handling of the audience's expectations.