Film “The Garden of the Finzi-Continis” by Vittorio De Sica
“Micol” by Beatrice Brandini
The Garden of the Finzi Continis is one of the best movies I saw as a child. From the novel by Giorgio Bassani, the film was directed by Vittorio De Sica in 1970 and won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, the Golden Bear in Berlin, the David di Donatello Award in Italy, the BAFTA award in England. The film tells the story of the middle-class Jewish family Finzi Contini, in the background of one of the ugliest pages of recent twentieth century, racial persecution and subsequent deportation to concentration camps.
However the film is also a manifesto of educated youth, curious and refined, especially embodied by the beautiful protagonist Micol Finzi Contini, the unforgettable Dominique Sanda.
Frames from the film by Vittorio De Sica “The Garden of the Finzi-Contini”
Frames from the film by Vittorio De Sica “The Garden of the Finzi-Contini”
Frames from the film by Vittorio De Sica “The Garden of the Finzi-Contini”
Frames from the film by Vittorio De Sica “The Garden of the Finzi-Contini”
Although this is not the “place” suitable for demonstrations of outrage (otherwise be daily), may even seem rhetorical, I think the film has been well rewarded for the picture, the soundtrack, the interpretations of the various actors, by Helmut Berger to Lino Capolicchio, but also and especially for the history. The bewilderment and incredulity (that’s how it feels seeing or reading the wonderful novel) about how in a short period of time, happiness and carefree give way to fear, terror and death.
Vittorio De Sica
De Sica was very good, able to direct actors in an extraordinary way, for photography, the setting (a beautiful villa; Villa Litta Bolognini, in Brianza) , but above all he was great to make the anguish of the tragedy that it was to take.
Some examples of “Tennis Style” for Spring / Summer 2015
Some examples of “Tennis Style” for Spring / Summer 2015
The film has always been synonymous of elegance, the timeless elegance that characterizes the true bourgeoisie. Fashion has often (continue to) drawn from its frames, those images where Micol (Dominique Sanda), Giampiero (Fabio Testi), Alberto (Helmut Berger), wearing spotless white tennis suit, those sweaters with braids from the deep V necklines, or those Bon Ton dresses , the quintessence of grace and refinement, without frills, the most difficult.
Photos by David Burton
Ralph Lauren ad campaign
Jean Paul Gaultier for Hermès
Vintage image from Vogue
It’s good to know that the film was recently restored (thanks to the Anthony Morato brand), a legacy that will not be lost; they will be able to know and admire the new generations, film fans and filmmakers to see it again, but mostly it will be an opportunity to remember.
Tennis style di Beatrice Brandini
Tennis style di Beatrice Brandini
Tennis style di Beatrice Brandini
For me one of the secrets of life is to learn from the past to improve the present, avoiding making the same mistakes.
Good life to all!
Beatrice