Roberto Curti Bücher

Filme wie Der Tod ritt dienstags, Sie verkaufen den Tod und vor allem Mein Name ist Nobody mit Terence Hill gehören heute zu den populären Klassikern des Italowestern. Doch fast niemand kennt ihren Regisseur. Sein Name ist: Tonino Valerii. Nach Abschluss der Filmhochschule Sergio Leones Assistent bei Für ein paar Dollar mehr saß er schon kurz darauf selbst auf dem Regiestuhl. Neben seinen Western fanden seine gialli in Italien großen Publikumszuspruch, aber kaum den Weg in die deutschen Kinos und sie landeten bestenfalls auf dem Videosektor. Auch Abenteuerfilme und später TV-Filme und –Serienepisoden trugen seine Handschrift. In Deutschland liefen Anfang der 1990er Jahre namentlich die Krimireihe Capitano Maffei – Kunstdiebstähle mit Giuliano Gemma und die Truckerserie Zwei tolle Typen und ein Turbo. Filmhistoriker Roberto Curti bespricht ausführlich und unterhaltsam Leben und Werk des italienischen Regisseurs. Ein gewichtiges Augenmerk legt er dabei auf die Entstehung von Mein Name ist Nobody und geht dabei der noch immer umstrittenen Frage auf den Grund, welchen Anteil Produzent Sergio Leone nun tatsächlich an der Regie hatte. Abgerundet wird das Filmbuch durch Interviews mit und Erinnerungen und Kommentaren von Valerii selbst und seinen Weggefährten, darunter Giuliano Gemma, Franco Nero und Bud Spencer.

Italian cinema's history is rich not only with celebrated auteurs but also features a variety of unique and lesser-known filmmakers who have contributed to its diverse landscape. This exploration highlights the significance of these unconventional voices and their impact on the cinematic narrative, offering a broader understanding of Italy's film heritage beyond the mainstream.

The 1980s marked a transformative period for Italian Gothic horror, characterized by the transition from established masters like Mario Bava and Riccardo Freda to emerging talents such as Lamberto Bava and Michele Soavi. This era saw a shift in style and storytelling, as new filmmakers introduced innovative themes and techniques, revitalizing the genre and paving the way for a new wave of horror cinema.

Focusing on the remarkable career of Italian director Riccardo Freda, this book delves into his four-decade journey marked by technical skill and visual flair. It highlights notable films like Black Eagle, Les Miserables, and cult classics such as I Vampiri and The Horrible Dr. Hichcock. Initially praised by French critics in the 1960s, Freda's legacy has grown significantly. The text offers in-depth film analyses and exclusive interviews with collaborators and family, providing a comprehensive exploration of his life and contributions to cinema.

Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace (1964) is commonly considered the archetypal giallo. This book examines its main narrative and stylistic aspects, including the groundbreaking prominence of violence and sadism and its use of color and lighting, as well as Bava's irreverent approach to genre and handling of the audience's expectations.

Exploring the unique Gothic style in Italian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s, this book delves into how filmmakers like Mario Bava and Barbara Steele redefined horror through striking visuals and bold themes. It highlights the portrayal of seductive yet menacing female figures, including witches and vampires, while examining the genre's daring exploration of the supernatural and eroticism. The influence of this cinematic movement extended beyond Italy, achieving cult status and leaving a lasting impact on the horror genre worldwide.

Francesco Bracali, a self-taught culinary master, has transformed his family's humble tavern into the acclaimed two-Michelin-star restaurant Bracali in Tuscany, alongside his brother Luca, a sommelier. Together, they honor and innovate upon the rich gastronomic traditions of their region, showcasing their unique culinary vision that blends heritage with modernity.

The term giallo, originating from a popular 1929 book series, has come to represent a diverse range of Italian mystery and detective fiction, extending beyond the violent and erotic thrillers of the 1960s and 1970s by directors like Mario Bava and Dario Argento. It includes various media forms such as comedies and political pamphlets, showcasing the genre's versatility. Iconic films like Blood and Black Lace and Deep Red have solidified giallo's international reputation, highlighting its evolution and cultural significance over the decades.

Marco Ferreri emerged as a daring figure in Italian cinema, collaborating with renowned actors like Marcello Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. His notable works include provocative films such as La Grande Bouffe and Dillinger Is Dead, which tackled themes like marriage crises, gender dynamics, and consumerism. Ferreri's unique approach often sparked controversy and censorship, cementing his reputation as a master provocateur. His bold storytelling and exploration of societal issues left a lasting impact on the film industry.

Elio Petri's career is marked by his exploration of controversial themes such as the Mafia, police brutality, and workers' struggles, showcasing his commitment to political and social issues. His films, including the science fiction satire and grotesque giallo, reflect a unique blend of irony and genre innovation. This book delves into Petri's life and work, contextualizing his contributions within postwar Italian culture and politics. It offers a detailed production history, critical analysis, and insights from previously unreleased Italian archival materials, along with discussions of his unfilmed projects.