Renowned Italian filmmaker Paolo Taviani is gearing up to return to the director's chair with his latest project, 'Canto Delle Meduse.' This pandemic-themed drama, set to begin shooting in April, will feature Polish-Italian actor Kasia Smutniak in the lead role. Produced by Stemal Entertainment and RAI Cinema, the film's remaining cast is being kept a secret, building anticipation among eager fans.
Paolo Taviani became a household name alongside his late brother Vittorio, winning critical acclaim for their groundbreaking works. In 2012, the duo took home the Berlin Golden Bear for their poignant drama, 'Caesar Must Die.' Their success continued in 2022 when Paolo competed at the Berlinale with his individual endeavor, 'Leonora Addio.'
'Canto Delle Meduse,' translated as 'Chant of the Gorgons,' is an exploration of the lockdown experience during the pandemic. In a statement, Taviani described the film as depicting the days of confinement when we were forced to remain within our homes, resembling naughty children yearning to venture outside. Despite this, an inner fire burned within the director, igniting his determination to combat the unknown through his extraordinary weapon: cinema.
The movie unfolds with two doctors on a beach near Rome 2,000 years ago, engaging in philosophical discussions about the future of their profession. Delving into the Mediterranean Sea, they embark on a journey to a mythical island inhabited by singing gorgons, notorious for their ability to turn others to stone. Fast forward to Rome in 2020, amidst a complete lockdown, capturing the same beach. A television news report announces the unfortunate demise of a renowned Italian doctor due to COVID-19, triggering memories for a friend and fellow practitioner who once swam to the mythical island.
'Canto Delle Meduse' artfully weaves together four narrative threads intrinsically linked to the pandemic of 2020. One of the strands focuses on the funeral of a woman named Valeria, who, before succumbing to the virus, expressed a fervent wish to be laid to rest anywhere but the family tomb alongside her detested husband.
At 92 years old, Paolo Taviani masterfully collaborates with his trusted cinematographer Simone Zampagnani and editor Roberto Perpignani. Additionally, Academy Award-winning composer Nicola Piovani, known for his work in 'Life Is Beautiful,' will be responsible for crafting the film's score.
The Taviani brothers marked their entrance into the filmmaking industry during the 1970s, combining neo-realistic elements with modern storytelling techniques. Their notable collaborations produced cinematic gems such as 'Padre Padrone,' which earned them the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival, as well as the World War II drama 'The Night of the Shooting Stars' (1982) and 'Kaos' (1984), adapted from the works of Luigi Pirandello. Sadly, Vittorio Taviani passed away in 2018, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Currently, a captivating retrospective of the Taviani brothers' work titled 'Magical Realism - The Film Fables of the Taviani Brothers' is being showcased at BFI Southbank in London, celebrating their unique contributions to the world of cinema.
With 'Canto Delle Meduse,' Paolo Taviani continues to captivate audiences with his captivating storytelling, infusing it with themes that resonate deeply with the current global climate. As the production gears up to begin shooting, film enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of this thought-provoking drama, anxious to witness Taviani's unparalleled ability to touch hearts and provoke introspection through his extraordinary weapon: cinema.
