Spettacolo

Spettacolo is a thought-provoking documentary drama that premiered in 2017, directed and produced by the collaboration of Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen. This under-the-radar gem primarily stars Andrea Cresti, a captivating figure who is the backbone of the play and the village, Chiara Del Ciondolo, and Gianna Fiore.

The heart of Spettacolo lies in its unique setting, the charming, rustic, and component village of Monticchiello in Tuscany, Italy. The documentary insightfully portrays the cryptic beauty and the ancient simplicity of the Italian village, brimming with its narrow streets, stone housing, and its mesmerizing Tuscan landscape. The movie engages the audience with its aesthetically delightful setting, capturing the raw and rustic beauty of the Italian countryside.

The title, Spettacolo, translates to ‘show’ in English, and it aptly encapsulates the essence of the plot. The documentary sheds light on a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction tradition that the inhabitants of Monticchiello have been holding for the past fifty years. Every summer, the villagers turn their lives into a play, rehearsing under the guidance of Andrea Cresti, a painter and the capocomico or the director of the play. They create an original theater production called "autodramma" or "auto-theater," metamorphosing their lives and the tradition-held issues over the preceding year into a narrative that is performed in the village's tiny piazza for an audience made up of interested locals as well as tourists.

Andrea Cresti, the charismatic lead, steps into the shoes of a director, guiding the entire village every year through the cathartic act of collective storytelling by transforming their personal struggles into public theater. The film subtly reveals its protagonists' characters, following Cresti as he navigates various roles, including imparting painting classes to eager children and spearheading the villagers’ annual theatrical endeavor. On another hand, Chiara Del Ciondolo impresses with her resolute character, and Gianna Fiore adds substance to the plot with her candidness.

The spirit of Spettacolo rests on these timeless and therapeutic performances. The movie finds a seamless balance between offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the auto-drama while simultaneously revealing various layers of life in Monticchiello, as the village grapples with socio-economic problems and cultural erosion. The documentary intricately portrays how this tradition is not only a creative catharsis for the villagers but also an instrument of dialogue for them, taking on subjects like the growing influence of technology, generational conflicts, depression, and even the recessive Italian economy.

The film doesn't shy away from juxtaposing the villagers' idyllic, rust-colored life with their struggles and vulnerabilities. At the same time, it takes an introspective look at how the village, along with its tradition, is fighting a relentless battle against time and the inevitable modernization slowly encroaching upon it. While the village’s younger generation gets lured by the prospects of the urban world, the threat of this age-old, enthralling tradition fading away grows stronger.

The makers of Spettacolo have left no stone unturned to present an authentic experience. The cinematography, helmed by Jeff Malmberg and David Usui, captures the essence and soul of Monticchiello, offering stunning visuals of the Tuscan scenery. Chris Shellen, who also handled the editing, has brilliantly woven various narratives, making the documentary engaging and smoothly flowing.

The musical score by Mark Orton complements the story and adds depth to its emotional gravity. The sound design incorporates authentic ambient sounds from the village and the theater preparations, plunging the audience into the heart and soul of this unique spectacle—making it a reality, rather than just a motion picture.

Overall, Spettacolo is an aesthetically detailed and emotionally charged documentary drama that transports viewers into a mesmerizing world where ordinary villagers turn their personal experiences into extraordinary performances. It is an intriguing exploration of creativity, community, and change curated through a charming tapestry of narratives. The multi-layered narrative and profound theme of the film endow the audience with a profound contemplation of tradition, culture, human emotions, and the essence of life. Whether or not you are a fan of the theater, Spettacolo is sure to engulf you with its intriguing narrative, leaving an unforgettable mark on your cinematic experience.