Enrico Vanzina: “Christian De Sica? The producers didn’t want him. We imposed ourselves, and in the end it turned out we were right.”
Taste of Sea returns to theaters from August 29th in a restored version. Enrico Vanzina, the film’s writer and director, reflects on its origins and the challenges of making a film about a specific period in Italian history.
A Timeless Tale
Vanzina describes the film as “not a film about the Sixties but a timelessBildungsroman on how to grow up.” He notes that the film’s themes of love, work, and identity resonate across generations.
The Making of a Masterpiece
The film’s production was not without its challenges. With limited funds and a non-professional lifeguard as a stand-in, Vanzina had to get creative. He recounts the memorable scene where the character slaps another, explaining, “She showed up hesitant. ‘I don’t know how to give fake slaps.’ And my brother, calmly: ‘And you give them real ones, don’t worry.'”
Personal Reflections
Vanzina reveals his disappointment that despite the film’s success, he and his brother were largely ignored by the industry. He compares the experience to receiving the David Donatello award, which he saw as a symbolic recognition.
A Legacy of Memories
Taste of Sea has become a cultural touchstone, capturing the essence of a generation. Vanzina concludes by reflecting on the film’s enduring legacy, stating, “All Taste of Sea has a very long life. It has become the portrait of entire generations.”