In these days “we are subjected to the spectacle of election propaganda and what is striking is that politicians seem to speak only of themselves, of their alliances, of their personal relationships, of percentage points, and try to ride consensus by stirring fears ”. Like this Paolo Virzì intervenes on the current electoral campaign, during a meeting with journalists for the presentation of his film ‘Drought’ at the Venice Film Festival.
“It seems difficult to take two steps back to look at it a little further away – explains the director, who set his film against the backdrop of an apocalyptic and dry Rome in which it hasn’t rained for three years – and say: but what about we’re talking about? But we really think the main problem is the water heater bonus when you need to tackle alarming health prospects, with the feared eventuality that we become extinct? What is this election campaign about, but everywhere and not only in Italy? ”. The Tuscan director explains: “There is no doubt that at this moment I am happy to make films, because he can try to lengthen his gaze by telling the human being. But don’t expect formulas or answers from us, certainly an invitation to look up beyond your navel ”.
Is there a salvation? “The art of telling is true medicine -says Virzì- Because if you talk about the big issues and take into account the eyes of a person, in his personal history, you risk not understanding anything. If, on the other hand, you approach the destinies of the people, here comes a new energy ”. The answer is in “biological force, as well as in rain which is a natural event”, adds the director, citing the film. “The answer is in life itself, and this is basically our job, to tell about life”.
(From the correspondent Ilaria Floris)