Perhaps the best demonstration of the refined culture of Mario Bolognini
An exquisite literary adaptation, supported by two of the most beautiful and fascinating stars of international cinema at the height of their powers
La viaccia is one of Mauro Bolognini’s best films, the eclectic and highly-cultured director who rigorously created exquisite literary cinema, based on the accurate reconstruction of a specific time and place through a pictorial sense of photography and scenography of the highest quality. The film is one of the best examples of the European cinematic tradition of adapting literary works (a novel by Marco Pratesi, with Vasco Pratolini as one of the screenwriters), which reached the zenith of its powers in the 1960s with Il Gattopardo by Luchino Visconti. But it is also a clear demonstration of talent of the director, here supported by two stars of cinema, in portraying the changes in power and hierarchy taking place inside a transforming world.
Tuscany, the late 19th century. The elderly Casamonti dies expressing his will that his son Stefano be his sole heir. Through the crafty handling of the situation, however, it is the other son, Ferdinando, who manages to take control of the inheritance. The main object of contention is the “La Viaccia” property, which young Ghigo is sent away from. He goes to Florence to work in his uncle Ferdinando’s shop. In the city, Ghigo falls in love with Bianca, a beautiful, shrewd and independent prostitute.
Perhaps the best demonstration of the refined culture of Mario Bolognini
An exquisite literary adaptation, supported by two of the most beautiful and fascinating stars of international cinema at the height of their powers
La viaccia is one of Mauro Bolognini’s best films, the eclectic and highly-cultured director who rigorously created exquisite literary cinema, based on the accurate reconstruction of a specific time and place through a pictorial sense of photography and scenography of the highest quality. The film is one of the best examples of the European cinematic tradition of adapting literary works (a novel by Marco Pratesi, with Vasco Pratolini as one of the screenwriters), which reached the zenith of its powers in the 1960s with Il Gattopardo by Luchino Visconti. But it is also a clear demonstration of talent of the director, here supported by two stars of cinema, in portraying the changes in power and hierarchy taking place inside a transforming world.
Tuscany, the late 19th century. The elderly Casamonti dies expressing his will that his son Stefano be his sole heir. Through the crafty handling of the situation, however, it is the other son, Ferdinando, who manages to take control of the inheritance. The main object of contention is the “La Viaccia” property, which young Ghigo is sent away from. He goes to Florence to work in his uncle Ferdinando’s shop. In the city, Ghigo falls in love with Bianca, a beautiful, shrewd and independent prostitute.
