The crisis of Italian cinema

Certainly, to analyze the crisis in Italian cinema, a few lines would not be enough to dismiss a complex topic like this. However, we can try to reflect on some fundamental points, which played an important role in this crisis.

As Nanni Moretti states in his film “Dear Diary“:

“For me, cinema is a question of language.”

In Italian cinema, actors speak Italian, if they speak it at all, or they act as if they were reading. Language is a problem, as Italian cinema has always played an important role in helping a very large segment of the illiterate or semi-educated population acquire the Italian language. Furthermore, streaming platforms and TV series have become protagonists of modern storytelling, while multiplexes have perhaps weakened the cinema industry in the long run, with their exorbitant costs for logistics and theater management. If we consider that only six out of ten Italians go to the cinema, it’s not clear how they manage to survive. Simply put, people only go to the cinema if the film has a great visual and commercial impact.

Another point is the themes of Italian cinema. But how can we talk about family crises, immigration, precarious work, sexual identity, illness, and marginalization in such a mediocre and banal way? As Totò would say:

“You’re mediocre, you can only hope for effort, because you lack talent.”

I rarely see films that can be exported abroad that convey universally understandable messages even though they speak our language, unless the language is a crumpled dialect stuffed with vulgar phrases. And finally, I see that many films are supported with grants for merits they do not have, trashy films, how is this possible?

Finally, if we think about it carefully, the crisis of Italian cinema reflects politics. Abstentionism wins. The truth is that as Nanni Moretti says:

Cinema is like life: sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s sad, sometimes it’s boring. But never mind, keep rolling.

Emerging Shapes 100 x 70cm

This painting has a white background, which creates a sharp contrast with the colors visible beneath the surface. These colors emerge from the background, as if wanting to be seen but not fully revealed. Additionally, there are two boxes emerging from the background, each with their own abstract colors. These squares float on the canvas, as if suspended in air.

The combination of abstract colors and a white background creates a feeling of lightness and movement, as if the shapes were dancing or floating in the void. Furthermore, the use of bright and contrasting colors creates a sense of energy and vitality, which makes the painting very dynamic. Available on Saatchi Art.