All tagged Cinema

ADAM DAVENPORT - Teaching artists how to deliver exceptional performances

What do award-winning artists like Halle Berry, Beyoncé, Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stallone, or Sharon Stone have in common? They all use the Chubbuck technique, renowned for its effectiveness in helping actors connect deeply with their characters and deliver exceptional performances. I spoke with American actor Adam Davenport, founder and artistic director of The International Acting Studio (TIAS), who will be conducting a workshop in Prague using this technique.

THE IRON PREFECT - Fascism and the mafia in Paolo Squitieri's film

The Iron Prefect (Il prefetto di ferro, 1977), is a film that brings together the two most powerful taboos in modern Italy: fascism and the mafia. Benito Mussolini, the idolised dictator, could not tolerate that a region of Italy should be under the control of a violent rule which wasn’t his own. Therefore, in 1925 he asked his best head of police to sort it out. His name was Cesare Mori, otherwise known as the Iron Prefect.

GIUSEPPE TORNATORE’S “ENNIO” - Once upon a time in Morricone’s world

A few days ago, I happened to be in Ireland’s second city, Cork. The opaque prospect of a routine work trip was brightened when a colleague, friend and host, Daragh, suggested we join the closing evening of the local Italian Film Festival. They were screening Giuseppe Tornatore’s Ennio, so, I happily joined in, and in the end we knew we had seen a great film about a great man.

HOUSE OF GUCCI - Power and greed Italian-style

Expectations behind House of Gucci were massive. Ridley Scott is not only a cult director; his recent experience at a rich-family saga with an Italian twist - All the Money in the World (2017) - was seen as a step towards this film. The cast could not be more charismatic: from Lady Gaga to Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Ledo and Jeremy Irons. The story could not be more enthralling: power, sex, greed and murder: all amongst the inner circle of one of the world’s most famous fashion brands. It felt like an inevitable success in waiting. But was it?

THE LIFE AHEAD (AND BEHIND) US - The return of Sophia Loren

A few weeks ago, the Italian newspapers proudly reported the victory at the Golden Globes of the song Io Sì by Diane Warren, sung by Laura Pausini, winner in the Best Original Song category. A well-deserved victory, to which we wish all the best in the next round (the most difficult) of the night of the Oscars. Then in May it will be the turn of Italy, with the David di Donatello, and on that occasion it is possible that other supporting elements of the film A life ahead may also receive some recognition.