PHOTO. The Paparazzi are here! - Cinematographic showcase for the occasion of the CAMERA - Italian Centre for Photography exhibition

The National Cinema Museum and CAMERA – Italian Centre for Photography are presenting a cinematographic showcase, structured in four monthly dates, titled PHOTO. The Paparazzi are here! at the Cinema Massimo and at the CAMERA venues, from Wednesday 20 September to Friday 3 November.

This showcase is taking place for the occasion of the CAMERA – Italian Centre for Photography exhibition titled The Paparazzi are here! (from 13 September 2017 to 7 January 2018 at the CAMERA venues in via delle Rosine 18, Turin), and is offering four screenings of films linked to the themes analysed by the exhibition.

With over 150 pictures of “Yesterday and today’s Vips and Stars”, shots by famous photographers like Tazio Secchiaroli, Marcello Geppetti, Ron Galella, Lino Nanni and photography projects by contemporary artists such as Alison Jackson and Armin Linke, this exhibition recounts the Paparazzi phenomenon and its transformations. Starting from Rome in the early Sixties, the age of the famed Dolce Vita in Via Veneto, with an immersion into the society and the customs of that season, the exhibition proceeds along its visual itinerary through the years and the themes which changed with the transformation of society and of the very mass communication media. The taste for surprise and direct pouncing, which characterised the Paparazzi, morphs over time in a more voyeuristic view from a distance. Examples of this are the life events of Jackie Kennedy, later Onassis, an authentic icon for the costume and scandal-mongering press, and of Lady Diana, whose stories are closely linked with those of “image-thieves”. The circuit includes pictures shot by some contemporary artists, who have played upon this language, between make-believe and reality, and by great  fashion photographers, who have transformed this language into style.

The showcase will be inaugurated at the Cinema Massimo on Wednesday 20 September at 8.30 p.m. by the screening of the symbolic film of the Paparazzi age: La dolce vita by Federico Fellini. Perhaps the loveliest film by this great master, which depicts the worldly, transgressive and contradictory Rome of the economic miracle, through the adventures of the protagonist – played by iconic Marcello Mastroianni. The film will be introduced by Walter Guadagnini, the Director of CAMERA and by Donata Pesenti Campagnoni, the temporary Director of the National Cinema Museum. Admission 6.00/4.00/3.00 euro.

Screenings Calendar

Federico Fellini

La dolce vita

(Italy/France 1960, 180’, HD, b/w)

Despite his writing ambitions, Marcello has adapted himself to the role of a society reporter. He thus gets to know and to frequent the golden world which gravitates around via Veneto, he absorbs its mentality and he copies its behaviour. His sentimental life is also derailed by occasional flirts which spoil his relationship with Emma, the woman he lives with. He is not even shaken by the tragedy which befalls intellectual Steiner.

Wednesday 20 September, at 8.30 p.m. – Cinema Massimo (Screen Three)

Pablo Larraìn

Jackie

(USA/Chile 2016, 99’)

Jacqueline Kennedy was only 34 years old when her husband was elected President of the United States. Elegant, stylish and enigmatic, she immediately became a worldwide icon, one of the most famous women of all times. Her taste in fashion, in furnishings and in the arts became a model to imitate for many people. Then, on 22 November 1963, during a trip to Dallas for his electoral campaign, John F. Kennedy was assassinated and Jackie’s pink suit was stained with blood. When Jackie got on Air Force One to return to Washington, her world – just like her faith – had shattered. Shocked and upset by grief, she was obliged during the following week to face moments she would never have imagined she’d go through: to console her two children, leave the home she had restored with great efforts and plan her husband’s funeral. However Jackie understood at once that these seven days would be decisive, not only in defining her image and John F. Kennedy’s historic legacy, but also how she herself would be remembered in the future.

Saturday 14 October, at 4.00 p.m. – Cinema Massimo (Screen Three)

Leon Gast

Smash His Camera

(USA, 2010, 87’)

This documentary recounts the life of Ron Galella, the King of Paparazzi, who raised celebrity snapshots to an art and who still remains, aged 86, a pillar in this field. Obstinate in his quest for photographing celebrities in relaxed moments, he has defined his passion for his work with ups and downs in his career, documenting the procession of stars inside a flourishing Studio 54 and holding the dubious honour of having been sued by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (his favourite subject) and having his jaw broken by Marlon Brando. Leon Gast depicts Galella masterfully and places him at the core of the debate on the right to privacy in the first amendment. Galella’s work and strategies have been subjected to criticism, but his influence is undeniable. In a career defined by perseverance, he has created some of the most evergreen photographic icons of our times.

Thursday 26 October, at 6.00 p.m. – CAMERA, presented by Grazia Paganelli, Cinema Massimo Programming

Paolo Sorrentino

La grande bellezza (The great beauty)

(Italy/France 2013, 142’)

Rome offers itself in indifference and seductiveness to the wondering gazes of tourists, it is summertime and the city is resplendent with an elusive and definite beauty. Jep Gambardella is sixty-five years old and his person emanates a charm which time has not been able to mar. He is an established journalist who moves between high culture and worldly society in a Rome which does not cease being a sanctuary for marvels and greatness.

Friday 3 November, at 8.30 p.m. – Cinema Massimo (Screen Three)