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You are in: home / The Villa / curiosity
Curiosity about San Gimignano...
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The countryside surrounding the Fortezza has been a favorite location for many film production and publicity companies. Numerous renowned actors, directors and film crews have enjoyed the enchanting and panoramic views of Tuscany during the creation of films such as “The English Patient”, “Stealing Beauty”, “Tea with Mussolini”, “With Closed Eyes”, and Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful”. All these films feature scenes filmed within the walls of San Gimignano.
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TEA WITH MUSSOLINI
(Italia 1999)
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Screenwriter: John Mortimer, Franco Zeffirelli
Costume: Jenny Beavan
Montage: Tariq Anwar
Production: Clive Parsons, Riccardo Tozzi, Giovannella Zannoni
Cast: Cher, Judi Dench, Massimo Ghini, Charlie Lucas, Rizia Ortolani, Joan Plowright, Paolo Seganti, Maggie Smith, Claudio Spadaro, Lily Tomlin, Baird Wallace.
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The plot:
The beautiful city of Florence is at the heart of this story, based on director Franco Zeffirelli's autobiography. It's the 1930s, and young Luca (Charlie Lucas), the illegitimate son of an Italian businessman, is taken in by a group of proper English ladies known as "Il Scorpioni" (for their "sting"). He acquires a passion for the arts as he follows them on their excursions through various museums and cathedrals, and finds his first taste of love when he falls for an extravagant Jewish American named Elsa (Cher). When Mussolini's fascist regime joins the Nazis, the old ladies become prisoners of war, and Elsa finds herself in even greater danger. Luckily, the now older Luca is on hand to help. This lovingly photographed film allows Zeffirelli to give voice to his passion for the art and architecture of his native city. The ensemble of mature actresses have a field day, of course, and includes Judi Dench, Lily Tomlin, Joan Plowright, and Maggie Smith.
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BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON
(Italia 1971)
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Screenwriter: Franco Zeffirelli, Suso Cecchi D'Amico, Lina Wertmüller, M. D'Amico.
Music: Riz Ortolani
Photo: Ennio Guarnirei
Cast: Graham Faulkner, Judi Bowker, Alec Guinness, Leigh Lawson, Valentina Cortese, Adolfo Celi
Awards: Nomination all'Oscar per Scenografia e Arredamento, Nastro d'Argento per la Fotografia, David di Donatello per la Regia
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The plot:
The spoiled son of a wealthy merchant, renounces all his worldly possessions to live a simple life as a man of God. Much to the dismay of the local bishop, he gradually gains a large following. The cinematography, editing, and a romantic soundtrack by the Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan, reinforce the healing and influential effect St. Francis had on his followers. The script contrasts Francis's piety and virtue with the bloated pomp of official Church doctrine, which is weighed down by internal politics. The film derives much of its strength from Faulkner as the young, battle-scarred nobleman laid low by his wartime experiences, who emerges from the horrors of conflict with a completely new and spiritual outlook on life. The film features a cast of gifted newcomers and screen veterans, including Judi Bowker (one of the most beautiful actresses of her generation), Leigh Lawson, Kenneth Cranham, Valentina Cortese, and Alec Guinness. With its distinctly counter-cultural feel, this unique film deserves to be treasured for its message of love and its cinematic beauty.
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Fortezza de' Cortesi Loc. Monti, 26 - San Gimignano (SIENA) Tuscany - tel. e fax +39 0577 940123 - mobile +39 338 7732761
P. IVA 00908810526
email info@fortezzacortesi.com
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