Paolo Sorrentino Reflects on Cinema and Life at Sarajevo Film Festival
Table of Contents
- Paolo Sorrentino Reflects on Cinema and Life at Sarajevo Film Festival
- Maradona and the Birth of Spectacle
- Inspiration and the Creative Process
- Violence, Desperation, and Cinematic Preferences
- Influences and Ideal Collaborations
- The Limits of Cinema and Global Issues
- A Career Defined by Acclaim
- The Enduring Legacy of Paolo Sorrentino
- Frequently Asked Questions about Paolo Sorrentino
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Celebrated Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino engaged in a thoughtful discussion about his artistic journey and the power of cinema during a visit to the Sarajevo Film Festival on Sunday. The director, in advance of the Venice premiere of his latest work, La Grazia, shared personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections with attendees.
Maradona and the Birth of Spectacle
Speaking with Serbian filmmaker Ognjen Glavonić at the Bosnian Culture Center, Sorrentino recounted the profound impact Diego Maradona’s arrival at Napoli in 1984 had on him as a young man. “When I was 14 and Maradona arrived in Naples, for the first time I understood what a show was,” he explained. “Maradona told us – told me, told the Napoiltan people – what is a big, unbelievable show. And I found out the same thing through cinema – the prospect to put on a big show.” This early exposure to spectacle deeply influenced his approach to filmmaking.
Did You Know? Sorrentino’s films often explore themes of spectacle, memory, and the human condition, frequently set against the backdrop of italy’s vibrant culture.
Inspiration and the Creative Process
Sorrentino is slated to receive the Honorary Heart of sarajevo Award this week, recognizing his notable contributions to the world of cinema. He will also present a retrospective of his films during the festival. When asked about his creative process, Sorrentino described a somewhat passive approach to inspiration. “I don’t love the idea that I have to do new things. I stay at home without doing anything and than suddenly something comes up in my mind that becomes an obsession and then I say, ‘OK, let’s do a movie about this obsession.'”
Violence, Desperation, and Cinematic Preferences
The director addressed the role of violence in film, admitting a conflicted relationship with the trope. While acknowledging its presence in works he admires, he confessed, “I find it very tiring to shoot violent scenes – mostly I’m too lazy.” He further elaborated on his preference for less harrowing narratives, stating, “Another reason I don’t put violence in is I don’t like when a character suffers too much. I like more Disney movies where everything is good.I never put characters in a condition where life is so desperate. it’s a little bit desperate but not too much, and violence brings a big desperation.”
Pro Tip: Sorrentino’s aversion to excessive violence reflects a broader trend in contemporary cinema towards more nuanced and psychologically driven storytelling.
Influences and Ideal Collaborations
Sorrentino readily acknowledged Martin Scorsese as a major influence on his work. When prompted about potential future collaborations, he offered a surprising response: “There are many actors and actresses I would like to work with, but the optimum would be a movie without actors and actresses.” This statement hints at a desire to prioritize the narrative and visual elements of his films over star power.
The Limits of Cinema and Global Issues
Addressing the potential for film to effect social change, Sorrentino offered a sobering perspective. When asked about the role of cinema in addressing complex global issues like genocide and the conflict in Gaza,he stated plainly,”No film can prevent these kinds of things.” This acknowledgement underscores the limitations of art as a tool for direct intervention in political and humanitarian crises.
A Career Defined by Acclaim
Born in Naples in 1970,Sorrentino has established himself as one of Italy‘s most acclaimed filmmakers. His notable works include The Consequences of Love and The Family Friend, both of which competed for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 and 2006. He won the Jury Prize in 2008 for Il Divo, and his 2011 film, This Must Be the Place, and 2013’s The Grate Beauty, which garnered an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film, further cemented his international reputation. His most recent feature, Parthenope, premiered at cannes in 2024.
| Film | Year | Awards/recognition |
|---|---|---|
| The Consequences of love | 2004 | Cannes Film Festival Competition |
| Il Divo | 2008 | Cannes Jury Prize |
| The Great Beauty | 2013 | academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA |
| Parthenope | 2024 | Cannes Film Festival Premiere |
When questioned about future projects, Sorrentino remained characteristically enigmatic, quipping, “Probably I am going to do worse, like many directors.”
The 31st edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival is scheduled to run from August 15-22, 2025.
The Enduring Legacy of Paolo Sorrentino
paolo Sorrentino’s work is characterized by its visual flair, complex characters, and exploration of existential themes. His films often serve as a commentary on Italian society and the human condition, resonating with audiences worldwide. His influence on contemporary cinema is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to embrace stylistic innovation and narrative depth. The director’s continued presence at prestigious film festivals like Sarajevo underscores his importance as a leading voice in the global film community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paolo Sorrentino
- Who is Paolo Sorrentino? Paolo Sorrentino is an Italian film director and screenwriter known for his visually striking and thematically rich films.
- What is Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film? His latest film is La Grazia, which is set to premiere at the Venice film Festival.
- What are some of Paolo Sorrentino’s most famous films? Some of his most acclaimed films include Il Divo and The Great Beauty.
- What themes does Sorrentino often explore in his films? He frequently explores themes of spectacle, memory, and the complexities of human relationships.
- Where was Paolo Sorrentino recently seen? He was recently at the Sarajevo Film Festival discussing his career and upcoming projects.
What aspects of Sorrentino’s filmmaking style resonate most with you? And how do you think cinema can best address complex global issues?
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