Paolo Taviani's 'Leonora Addio' premieres at Berlinale 2022
At 90, Paolo Taviani realizes his second film without brother Vittorio, adapting Luigi Pirandello's last novella 'Il chiodo' and the absurd journey of Pirandello's ashes. The film, 'Leonora Addio', is the only Italian entry in competition at the Berlinale 2022, arriving in Italian theaters on February 17 via 01Distribution. The two-episode structure contrasts black-and-white (the ashes' misadventure) with color (the novella's story). Taviani explains the project was a long-held dream with Vittorio, initially abandoned due to budget constraints after their film 'Caos'. The first episode recounts Pirandello's explicit funeral wishes—naked, no flowers, no announcements, cremation, ashes scattered or walled in Sicily—which were ignored. The second episode adapts 'Il chiodo', inspired by a Harlem murder, focusing on interiority rather than Pirandello's trademark humor. Margherita Bordino reviews the film for Artribune.
Key facts
- Paolo Taviani directed 'Leonora Addio' at age 90, his second film without brother Vittorio.
- The film is based on Luigi Pirandello's last novella 'Il chiodo' and the story of his ashes.
- 'Leonora Addio' is the only Italian film in competition at the Berlinale 2022.
- The film releases in Italian theaters on February 17, 2022, distributed by 01Distribution.
- Pirandello died on December 10, 1936, and requested a silent, naked funeral with no mourners.
- His ashes were eventually taken to Sicily, contrary to his wishes.
- The first episode is in black and white; the second in color.
- The novella 'Il chiodo' was inspired by a murder in Harlem, New York.
Entities
Artists
- Paolo Taviani
- Vittorio Taviani
- Luigi Pirandello
- Andrea Camilleri
- Margherita Bordino
Institutions
- Berlinale
- 01Distribution
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Agrigento
- Sicily
- Girgenti
- Harlem
- New York
- Italy