Happy as Lazzaro

About Happy as Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro is a 2018 Italian drama film directed by Alice Rohrwacher. It falls under the genre of International Movies and tells the story of a kind-hearted young peasant named Lazzaro, who lives in a secluded rural village called Inviolata. The film explores themes of human exploitation, inequality, and the power of innocence in the face of societal corruption.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music

About

The film tells the story of Lazzaro, a young peasant with a heart of gold. He is taken advantage of by the other villagers, who pay him meager wages for his work in the fields. Lazzaro's innocence and kindness make him a target for manipulation, but he continues to try and help those around him, even if it means sacrificing his own well-being.

One day, Lazzaro befriends Tancredi, the arrogant and spoiled son of the Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna, the owner of the estate where the villagers work. Tancredi enlists Lazzaro's help in staging his own kidnapping, hoping to obtain a ransom from his mother. This event sets off a chain of events that eventually leads Lazzaro out of his isolated village and into the modern world.

The film beautifully captures the stark contrast between the simple, timeless life in Inviolata and the harsh reality of the modern world. Through Lazzaro's eyes, we witness the stark social inequalities that exist and the exploitation of the vulnerable by the powerful. The film also explores the nature of time, memory, and the desire for a better life.

Making / Production

Happy as Lazzaro was written and directed by Alice Rohrwacher, who drew inspiration from her own childhood memories and experiences. The film was shot on location in the countryside of central Italy, which adds to its authenticity and immersive quality.

Rohrwacher's direction is praised for its meticulous attention to detail, capturing the beauty of the rural landscape and the simplicity of village life. The film also utilizes a mix of natural lighting and atmospheric cinematography to create a dreamlike aesthetic.

Happy as Lazzaro takes a non-linear narrative approach, with the story shifting between different time periods and perspectives. This artistic choice adds to the overall mystique and depth of the film.

Actors

• Lazzaro - portrayed by Adriano Tardiolo: Tardiolo delivers a captivating performance as the innocent and selfless protagonist. His portrayal perfectly captures Lazzaro's naivety, kindness, and unwavering optimism.
• Tancredi - portrayed by Luca Chikovani: Chikovani plays the role of Tancredi with a mix of arrogance and vulnerability. His chemistry with Tardiolo's Lazzaro is a highlight of the film.
• Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna - portrayed by Nicoletta Braschi: Braschi portrays the complex and enigmatic Marchesa with depth and elegance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Happy as Lazzaro won the Best Screenplay award at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
• Alice Rohrwacher wrote the role of Lazzaro specifically for Adriano Tardiolo, who had no previous acting experience.
• The film's title, "Lazzaro Felice" in Italian, translates to "Happy Lazzaro," highlighting the juxtaposition of innocence and happiness in the face of exploitation.

Awards

Happy as Lazzaro was critically acclaimed and received several awards and nominations. It won the Best Screenplay award at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and was also nominated for the Palme d'Or, the highest prize awarded at the festival.

Quotes

• "Life is strange, Lazzaro. Look at me. Six centuries, and I'm still standing." - Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna
• "You do understand? You are innocent, so you are capable of understanding everything." - Tancredi
• "We're leaving this village, right? Into the big, wide world." - Lazzaro

Music / Soundtrack

The film features a haunting and atmospheric score composed by Piero Crucitti. The music enhances the dreamlike quality of the visuals and adds emotional depth to the storytelling. The soundtrack includes a mix of classical compositions and original pieces by Crucitti to create a unique sonic experience.