Pietro Marcello on adapting Jack London's Martin Eden to Naples

Director Pietro Marcello discussed his film adaptation of Jack London's Martin Eden at the Italian Cultural Institute in Vienna, during the Viennale. The film transposes the story from Oakland to Naples, focusing on social redemption and individualism. Marcello emphasized the novel's critique of individualism and its relevance today, linking it to contemporary issues like influencers and political divisions. He used archival footage to narrate the 20th century, including Nazi-era clips. Marcello expressed a desire to show the film in schools for sentimental education, and criticized the current state of cinema as entertainment rather than education. He plans to teach young people if not making films.