An important and brilliant piece of cinema
Inspired by the true events recounted in Ti Mangio il Cuore, and work of investigative journalism by Carlo Bonini and Guiliano Foschini, Burning Hearts tells the story of a latter-day Mafia feud on the promontory of Gargano in Puglia.
Andrea (Francesco Patanè),is the reluctant heir of the Malatesta family, showing no interest in the long-standing feud his father has with the Camporeale family. But when he falls in love with Marilena (singer Elodie making her acting debut), the beautiful wife of the Camporeale boss , the blood feud is rekindled, with horrifying results.
Director Pippo Mezzapesa has delivered what must surely be his break-through feature. Shot in black-and-white, on location, every scene is masterfully composed, the pace is passionate yet controlled, and the actors are given space in which to deliver these very difficult characters.
Francesco Patanè is heart-breaking as Andrea, the young man who slowly turns into a monster as the feud takes its toll. Beautiful Italian singer Elodie makes her acting debut as Marilena, and shows that she was not just chosen for her looks, delivering a performance that can match any of the more experienced actors of her generation. The fabulous Lidia Vitale as the Malatesta matriarch Teresa, owns the camera whenever she is in front of it, yet still holds space for the ensemble around her. Every performance is noteworthy, in the this relatively large cast. Even the extras have been chosen with a true auteur’s eye, with crowd scenes supplying opportunities to shoot incredible faces.
Religious iconography flows throughout the work, both literally, and symbolically, often shaping the composition of scenes. And of course, this serves to underline the seeming lack of humanity at the core of the narrative.
Burning Hearts is a dark, brutal, horrifying film. Yet the relentlessly depressing narrative, is relieved by the astounding beauty of Mezzapesa’s direction, and Michele D’Attanasio’s cinematography.
This is Italian cinema at its most glorious.
Burning Hearts is currently screening as part of the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect.
Click here for screening times, and to book tickets.
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