Padrenostro is a 2020 Italian drama film written and directed by Mario Martone. The film premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival and was subsequently released in Italy and selected for various international festivals. It is set in the 1970s in the suburbs of Naples and dramatizes a real-life incident involving a kidnapping attempt on a child, exploring themes of family, political turmoil, and societal change.
Plot
The narrative follows the Della Vitta family—father Vincenzo (played by Toni Servillo), mother Laura (played by Donatella Finocchiaro), and their son Rocco (played by Filippo Scicchitano)—who reside in the Neapolitan district of San Giovanni a Teduccio. In 1975, a politically motivated kidnapping attempt targets the family’s infant son, leading to escalating tension within the household and the surrounding community. The film interweaves personal drama with the broader sociopolitical context of Italy’s "Years of Lead," a period marked by political extremism and violence.
Production
- Director: Mario Martone, known for his work in both cinema and theater.
- Screenplay: Co-written by Martone and Francesco Cicci.
- Cinematography: Luca Bigazzi.
- Music: Composed by Daniele Lazzarin.
- Production Companies: Fandango, Rai Cinema, and others.
- Filming Locations: Primarily shot on location in Naples and surrounding areas to authentically capture the period setting.
Cast
- Toni Servillo as Vincenzo Della Vitta
- Donatella Finocchiaro as Laura Della Vitta
- Filippo Scicchitano as Rocco Della Vitta
- Pierfrancesco Favino as Giuseppe “Beppe” Pugliese
- Michela Boccolini as Maria
Release and Reception
- Premiere: 10 September 2020, Venice International Film Festival (out of competition).
- Italian Release: 4 November 2020.
- Critical Reception: The film received generally positive reviews for its direction, performances (particularly Servillo’s), and atmospheric recreation of 1970s Naples. Critics highlighted its nuanced portrayal of familial bonds amid political unrest. It holds a favorable rating on major review aggregators, though exact scores may vary by source.
- Awards: Nominated for several awards in Italian cinema, including the David di Donatello awards, and received accolades for cinematography and acting.
Themes and Analysis
Scholars and critics note that Padrenostro examines the intersection of personal and political spheres, focusing on how macro-level ideological conflicts infiltrate domestic life. The title, translating loosely to “Father is Great” or “Great Father,” reflects both a literal reference to the patriarchal figure and an ironic commentary on the societal reverence for authority figures during the era.
Historical Context
The film is loosely based on a documented kidnapping attempt in 1975 involving a young child from a working‑class family in Naples. While the narrative incorporates fictionalized elements and dramatization, the core incident aligns with historical records of politically motivated abductions during Italy’s turbulent "Years of Lead."
Home Media
- Digital and DVD/Blu‑ray: Released in Italy and selected international markets in 2021.
- Streaming: Available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Rai Play, subject to regional licensing.
See Also
- Italian cinema of the 2020s
- Mario Martone filmography
- The Years of Lead (Italy)
References
- Official press releases from Fandango and Rai Cinema.
- Coverage from the Venice International Film Festival archives (2020).
- Film reviews from reputable publications such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and La Repubblica.
- Historical accounts of political kidnappings in Italy during the 1970s.