Napoli Napoli Napoli

Napoli Napoli Napoli is a 2009 Italian drama film directed by Abel Ferrara, featuring Luca Lionello and Salvatore Ruocco in pivotal roles. The film is a hybrid of a documentary and a drama that delves into the grim realities of life in Naples, Italy.

The filmmaking takes an unconventional approach. Each portion contains a structure like a triptych that masterfully paints an uncensored picture of the lives of the denizens of Naples. The city is known as a bustling tourist hub, boasting beautiful coastlines and a rich history. Yet, behind this facade of vibrancy and allure lurks a grim underworld of crime, poverty, and social hardships.

The narrative composition of Napoli Napoli Napoli carries the mark of director Abel Ferrara's signature style. Known for raw and gritty filmmaking, Ferrara presents Naples from quite a different perspective, contrasting its breathtaking scenery with the stark realities of its distressed areas. The film combines scripted fiction, interviews, and actual footage, blurring the line between documentary and drama, and lends an authentic feel to the story.

The screenplay, a collaborative work of Gaia Ceriana Franchetti and Maurizio Braucci, builds up a compelling narrative that intertwines three interconnected stories focusing on diverse characters living in Naples. Luca Lionello and Salvatore Ruocco, along with other brilliant actors, breathe life into these characters with their skilled performances.

Luca Lionello plays a key role in the fictional parts of the film. He is seen as a troubled character, navigating through the harsh realities of a city rocked by socio-economic troubles and grappling with his internal turmoil. Salvatore Ruocco's character also grounds the narrative, as he, too, is caught up in the hustle of Naples' taxing life.

The characters in Napoli Napoli Napoli range from inmates talking about their distressing lives inside the prison to young women dealing with the difficulties of motherhood. Some characters are trying to make a living in the criminal underworld, while others are merely everyday people trying to survive. These characters provide Ferrara with a means to delve into convincing social commentary about Naples that is often overlooked in mainstream media.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its cinematography. Ferrara, along with Director of Photography Fabio Cianchetti, has captured the essence of Naples in a distinctive style. Scenic panoramic shots of the city and its picturesque coastline give way to grim streets unseen by most tourists. Naples is depicted in all its beauty and ugliness, showing viewers the chasm between the city's rich heritage and its hidden societal issues.

The film also scores high on the music front. Francesco Sarcina's stirring score helps create more layers to the film's contemplative narrative. The music often reflects the mood of the scene, whether it is an intense moment in the depth of Naples' underworld or a poignant moment of quiet desperation.

Despite its somber tone and thought-provoking theme, Napoli Napoli Napoli remains unbiased in its depiction throughout. Ferrara has jettisoned the usual romance associated with Italian cities to delve into an exploration of stark social issues. The city’s stark realities are laid bare without judgment or romanticization, displaying only what exists beneath the surface.

Napoli Napoli Napoli is a cinematic investigation of a city grappling with intrinsic issues afflicting its inhabitants. It is a film that leaves its audience contemplating the reality behind the sheen of tourist destinations. It makes a compelling watch not only for its realistic portrayal of Naples but also for its memorable performances, distinctive cinematography, and its perfectly setting music score.

This film allows us to witness the cruel uncensored realities of life in Naples and forces us to question our perceptions of the city post viewing. Napoli Napoli Napoli is an unflinching exploration of what lies beneath the facade of a city, making it a crucial entry in the filmography of Abel Ferrara. It is a must-watch for every cinephile and every fan of Ferrara's unorthodox style.