The highly anticipated film “La Grazia” (Grace) by Paolo Sorrentino has finally hit theaters, following its presentation at the Venice Film Festival, where Toni Servillo took home the prestigious Coppa Volpi award. The film has been generating buzz since its release on January 15th, with matineés held between Christmas and New Year’s, grossing around 300,000 euros. During a press conference in Rome, Sorrentino expressed his satisfaction with the film’s performance, stating, “Maybe I wouldn’t be able to handle such a huge success, I prefer to remain subdued,” when asked to compare his film’s success to that of Zalone’s.
Toni Servillo, who plays the President of the Republic in the film, added his thoughts on the matter, saying, “I think he has more important things to do,” when asked if President Mattarella had seen the film. The movie revolves around the President’s difficult decisions on the law on the end of life and two requests for pardon. Servillo also took the opportunity to express his concern about the state of Italian cinema, citing a lack of welcoming cinema halls and entrepreneurs capable of creating spaces that encourage the public to attend screenings. He also emphasized the need for a clear law that supports original films, rather than just focusing on box office success.
Sorrentino, on the other hand, preferred not to comment on the state of Italian cinema, instead focusing on the theme of the end of life, which is present in the film. He emphasized the importance of this theme, stating, “it is an enormous theme, which can concern us all, if one wanted to analyze it from a strictly selfish point of view, and therefore I hope that attention is brought back to this.” The film also explores the relationship between the President and his daughter, Dorotea, played by Anna Ferzetti, who acts as his secretary, guardian, nurse, collaborator, and assistant. Ferzetti observed that the relationship between the two characters is “very particular” and “they are two somewhat similar people who have their own way of speaking to each other and saying I love you, talking about the law.”
The film’s release has sparked interest and debate, with Ferzetti extending an invitation to politicians to see the film, saying, “I hope that many go, and that they reflect.” With its thought-provoking themes and talented cast, “La Grazia” is a must-see for audiences interested in exploring complex moral dilemmas and the human experience. For more information about the film and its release, click Here.