MOVIE REVIEW
Eternal Visionary (Eterno visionario)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Michele Placido
Writer(s): Michele Placido, Toni Trupia
Cast: Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Federica Luna Vincenti, Giancarlo Commare, Aurora Giovinazzo, Michelangelo Placido, Ute Lemper
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Rome Film Fest - Fondazione Cinema per Roma

RAVING REVIEW: With ETERNAL VISIONARY, Michele Placido takes us on a journey into the life of Luigi Pirandello (Fabrizio Bentivoglio,) a luminary in literature whose personal conflicts and narratives propelled his professional masterpieces. This film isn’t merely a walkthrough of Pirandello’s life milestones; it’s an emotional and intellectual expedition that plunges into the depths of his paradoxical existence, blending his public triumphs with his private struggles in a narrative rich with drama and authenticity.

As the story unfolds, ETERNAL VISIONARY transports us to crucial moments from Pirandello’s life, from the rustic landscapes of Sicily to the prestigious stages of Stockholm, where he is poised to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. This is the canvas on which the film paints a detailed portrait of the complexities that define Pirandello. Bentivoglio brings a visceral depth to the role, portraying Pirandello with a precision that captures the essence of the writer’s theatrical approach to life’s realities.

One of the film's core narratives is the turbulent relationship between Pirandello and his wife, Antonietta, depicted with vigor by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi. Her portrayal of a descent into madness is compelling and a critical backdrop to the narrative, illustrating how personal turmoil was inextricably linked to Pirandello’s creative process. These moments are the most gripping, illuminating the chaos that often shadowed Pirandello's professional accolades.

In stark contrast to the turmoil at home is Pirandello’s intellectual rapport with Marta Abba (Federica Vincenti,) portrayed by Federica Luna Vincenti. Their relationship, defined by mutual intellectual stimulation rather than romance, offers a glimpse into another facet of Pirandello’s complex emotional world. Placido navigates these interactions with a finesse that enriches the film’s broader examination of life’s intricate tapestries.

Despite its rich narrative, ETERNAL VISIONARY occasionally struggles under the weight of its ambition. The film endeavors to cover an extensive array of Pirandello’s experiences, from his controversial political ties to his profound family bonds. This broad scope sometimes results in a fragmented narrative, particularly in the film’s latter half, where the pacing cannot keep up with the expansive themes.

Placido’s direction is fantastic, sweeping audiences across time and space. Yet sometimes, the storytelling stumbles, struggling to maintain a steady rhythm through its expansive thematic landscape. Nonetheless, the film portrays Pirandello’s artistic alchemy, brilliantly showcasing how he transformed personal strife into theatrical genius.

The performances of Bentivoglio and Tedeschi are pivotal, infusing ETERNAL VISIONARY with authenticity and depth that resonates with viewers. Their portrayals anchor the film’s exploration of the delicate balance between personal adversity and professional creativity, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the profound effects of life experiences on artistic expression.

Ultimately, ETERNAL VISIONARY may not capture every nuance of Pirandello’s life. Still, it successfully paints a layered and compelling portrait of a man whose personal trials fueled his legendary contributions to literature and theater. This film is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between an artist's inner world and his public legacy, inviting viewers to reflect on the enduring impacts of creative expression shaped under the duress of life’s vicissitudes.

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[photo courtesy of GOLDENART PRODUCTION, RAI CINEMA, MINISTERO DELLA CULTURA (MIC), PULSAR CONTENT, THE PR FACTORY]

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