Celebration of the great Italian theatre diva

Before Hollywood's studio system began manufacturing movie stars, Europe was ruled by divas, stage actresses who achieved massive acclaim and critical prestige, making them true national icons of popular adoration. Pietro Marcello revives the figure of Eleonora Duse, a legend in Italy at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, to explore, from the actress's mature stage, the rise of fascism in her country. A subject the filmmaker had already tackled in Martin Eden (2019), a more balanced and brilliant film in its revision of historical cinematic drama. Marcello understands well that the fascination of divas, also as individuals, lies in their contradictions and in how they embrace life's most tempestuous dimension.

But Eleonora Duse, the divine woman, of course, in the 21st century everyone knows an Italian dramatic actress who died a hundred years ago, and he presents an already elderly Eleonora, without first depicting the significance of her figure. This makes it harder to connect with the professional who prioritizes theater over motherhood and with the woman captivated by Gabriele D'Annunzio who, like him, ends up flirting with fascism. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi immerses herself in her portrayal of Duse, but her intensity sometimes devours, rather than elevates, the character. The film stands out especially in scenes focused on theatrical performances, when the passion for this art is depicted from within and in close-up.