It was during the Berlinale, last February, that we had the opportunity to meet Roberto Benigni and the director Matteo Garrone. An interview in Italian full of gestures and shouts that quickly make us forget the German cold.
The director awarded in Cannes in 2008 for “Gomorra” presents his version of the tale of “Pinocchio”. In the role of Geppetto, we find the legendary actor who did not hesitate a second before embarking on this adventure. While the feature film was scheduled for theaters in French-speaking Switzerland in April, it was finally released on July 1 at the cinema.
You both have a special bond with Pinocchio since your childhood. Tell us.
Roberto Benigni: Since I was 5 my mother has called me Pinocchietto. “Come here! Don’t tell lies or your nose will get longer! ”She cried. I grew up 20 kilometers from where Pinocchio was born. I could have met him or it could just have been me. I was a poor and free child, like him. My father was a kind of carpenter like Geppetto and my mother was the blue fairy. She was so beautiful … When I grew up, friends kept calling me Pinocchio. Federico Fellini called me like this.
Matteo Garrone: This story has followed me all my life. I studied painting and I made my first drawing of Pinocchio at 6 years old. I grew up with this myth. As a kid, I didn’t want to do homework, I just wanted to play and be free.
Why did you want to make a feature film today?
M. G.: Because it is a modern fable that talks about the problems of today, but also those of the future. Not to mention that my perception of history has changed since I had a son (editor’s note: Nicola Garrone, 11 years old). He in turn became a little Pinocchio and I Geppetto. (Laughs.) I know the two characters and how they work. As soon as Roberto Benigni agreed to star in the film, I was even more motivated. He brought his universe, his past. And especially his genius as an actor.
Roberto Benigni, you had directed a feature film on Pinocchio in 2002 in which you played the main role. Did you hesitate before embarking on this new project?
R. B.: I was so happy when Matteo asked me to be Geppetto. I did not manage to sleep at night before giving my answer. It is an incredible opportunity to play once the son and once the father. And to be honest, the result is just splendid. I have seen it several times. Each time I keep my mouth open for the crazy work he has done.
What do you like about this tale?
R. B.: First of all, it’s an incredible fable! One of the most beautiful in the world. It teaches us a lot about life. Even if there are some dark aspects, they help you to better understand what surrounds you and to pay attention to the dangers. We mention in particular death, pain but also old age. Not to mention that we also talk about happiness, fantasy, humor and love most of the time. It’s a wonderful film. We couldn’t do better.
Fabio Dell’Anna, Berlin
Created: 01.07.2020, 4:16 p.m.
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