The Italians are big fans of Paolo Sorrentino. His new film, “La Grazia,” opened the 82nd Venice Film Festival and received a four-minute standing ovation. The story dives into the life of an aging politician facing his own mortality while deciding on two critical clemency cases before leaving office. The audience, filled with Italian officials and stars like Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett, showed their appreciation as Sorrentino waved in delight.
In “La Grazia,” Sorrentino reunites with Toni Servillo, his frequent collaborator, who plays the fictional Italian President Mariano De Santis. The character grapples with whether to support a draft law on euthanasia in a deeply Catholic country. This nuanced portrayal contrasts sharply with the often negative depiction of politicians in the news today. Sorrentino explained, “I wanted to show what a politician should be like,” reflecting a desire for integrity in public service.
During the festival’s opening ceremony, Francis Ford Coppola honored filmmaker Werner Herzog with a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Coppola praised Herzog as an exceptional figure in cinema. This event marked Coppola’s first public appearance after a recent heart procedure, highlighting the emotional weight of the night.
The festival promises a star-studded lineup over the next ten days. Films to look forward to include Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt,” featuring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, and Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Bugonia” with Emma Stone. Actor Emanuela Fanelli humorously remarked that these films arrived because they were rejected by Cannes.
However, amidst the glamour, serious issues linger. During a press conference, jury president Alexander Payne was asked about the ongoing war in Gaza. He expressed uncertainty on how to address such pressing matters while focusing on cinema. He urged jury members to approach films with both professional insight and childlike wonder.
The Venice Film Festival continues until September 6, showcasing the intersection of art and important global issues.
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Paolo Sorrentino,Venice Film Festival
