Taxi Driver
Written by Paul Schrader and directed by Oscar-winner Martin Scorsese, it is unanimously considered one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of cinema. The film, visibly inspired by the noir genre, tells the story of Travis Bickle, a 26-year-old former marine suffering from various physical and mental disorders, including insomnia. After a series of unfortunate vicissitudes, Travis’s life changes radically, even after the tragic attempt to save the life of a very young prostitute, Iris Steensma. Several scenes have become cult favorites, but it is the scene of the monologue in the mirror that summarizes the greatness of this absolute masterpiece in the history of cinema.
The stellar cast would make any director’s head spin, starting with Oscar-winner Robert De Niro who gives film buffs around the world a textbook interpretation. Another masterful interpretation is that of the very young Jodie Foster, also the winner of two statuettes. We also find Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Leonard Harris, Peter Boyle, Cybill Shepherd, Harry Northup, and Joe Spinell. Martin Scorsese appears in a cameo. Four Academy Awards nominations.
Your Whole Life Ahead of You
The film dated 2008 and directed by Paolo Virzì, sees a screenplay written by Michela Murgia, the same Virzì and Francesco Bruni, on a subject by the director. Set in the toxic and suffocating world of call centers, it speaks above all of the social scourge linked to bullying but also explores the story of Marta, a young girl who has just graduated in philosophy. The film is a cruel and little-sweetened story of a contemporary reality that affects especially young people: precariousness and the loss of faith in the future.
The protagonist is a young and talented Isabella Ragonese, in her third appearance on the big screen. Another great protagonist is a brilliant Sabrina Ferilli, who plays the chief telephone operator Daniela. Together with them were also Massimo Ghini, Valerio Mastandrea, Micaela Ramazzotti, Elio Germano, Valentina Carnelutti, Caterina Guzzanti, and Alessandro Roja. Laura Morante is instead the narrator of the whole story. Five nominations for the David di Donatello and two Nastri d’Argento out of seven total nominations.
The Reader
The director of Billy Elliot and The Hours Stephen Daldry (2008) directs a very controversial film, which takes its subject from the novel by Bernhard Schlink. a loud voice: the reader. Divided into several parts, which refer to different periods, the story centers around the erotic and sentimental relationship between a thirty-year-old and a fifteen-year-old. From the moment in which Hanna Schmitz saved the student Michael Berg from a bad illness, a particular relationship comes to life, made of culture, reading aloud, and eroticism. But the idyll soon ends, when the scandal gets there.
The role of the protagonist is entrusted to an extraordinary Kate Winslet, who, thanks to this interpretation, won her first Academy Award. Accompanying her are the young David Kross and Ralph Fiennes, who play Berg in different eras. Together with them were also Alexandra Maria Lara, Lena Olin, Bruno Ganz, Karoline Herfurth, Jeanette Hain, Susanne Lothar, and Linda Bassett. In total, the film received five Academy Award nominations.
The Hand of God
From mid-December, the latest work by Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino will be on Netflix. Written and directed by the Campania region, it recounts a very strong experience of his, linked to his recently passed idol Diego Armando Maradona, considered by many to be the greatest footballer ever. The title of the feature film, in fact, recalls the famous goal scored by the Argentine striker, nicknamed from that day on, among others, “the hand of God.” But Maradona in the film is not the protagonist, but a very young Neapolitan fan who personifies the director, making the work a sort of autobiography.
The cast sees Filippo Scotti in the role of the protagonist, accompanied by Teresa Saponangelo, Luisa Ranieri, Massimiliano Gallo, Renato Carpentieri, Enzo Decaro, Lino Musella, and of course Toni Servillo, once again renewing the collaboration. Previewed at the Venice International Film Festival, It was released in cinemas all over Italy and is nominated for various national and international awards.
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